The consortium formed by Siemens Mobility and Stadler has officially confirmed the framework agreement signed with DSB for the delivery of 226 fully automated electric multiple units for the S-Bane suburban network in Copenhagen. The project is valued at approximately EUR 3 billion and will create the world’s largest open rail system with automatic train operation (GoA4).
The contract also includes an option for up to 100 additional trains, as well as a long-term maintenance agreement covering a period of at least 30 years.
Clearly defined roles within the consortium
Within the project, Siemens Mobility is acting as consortium leader and will be responsible for the electrical equipment of the trains, including traction and braking systems, on-board power supply, train and vehicle control systems, passenger information systems, and bogies.
Stadler will supply the car bodies, couplings, all interior equipment and seats, air conditioning systems, and doors, and will also handle the final assembly of the trains.
Deliveries from 2032 and long-term maintenance
The first trains are scheduled to enter service in 2032, with deliveries continuing progressively until 2040. In parallel, Siemens Mobility will provide a comprehensive technical support and spare parts agreement (TSSSA+), which includes the Railigent X digital maintenance concept, designed to ensure the reliability and availability of the fleet over a period of more than 30 years.
The maintenance agreement stipulates that overall responsibility will lie with the consortium, while the actual work will be carried out by DSB staff, with technical support, IT systems, and advanced maintenance management solutions.
Significant increase in S-Bane network capacity
The transition to fully automated operation is described by DSB as the most extensive transformation in the 90-year history of the S-Bane network.
During peak hours, the interval between trains will be reduced to 7.5 minutes on each line, or 1.5 minutes in central Copenhagen.
On several routes, this will translate into an increase of up to 35% in the number of departures, which will create capacity for approximately 10 million additional passengers annually.
In 2025, the S-Bane network carried around 111 million passengers, and DSB anticipates continued growth in demand.
Open design and full accessibility
The new trains will have a distinctive design, but in line with S-Bane’s established visual identity. The 56-meter trains will offer 120 seats, 36 folding seats, and approximately 300 standing places.
The trains will be fully accessible, with platform-level entry, wide aisles, multifunctional spaces for bicycles, strollers, and people with reduced mobility, as well as modern passenger information systems.
The interior configuration will also include work areas with tables, air conditioning, and greater flexibility compared to current suburban trains.
GoA4 technology and compressed air-free braking
The project is closely linked to the modernization of the S-Bahn infrastructure, where Siemens Mobility is already implementing GoA4 automation technology based on the Trainguard MT CBTC system.
The complete migration to driverless operation is planned in several stages, with the first automated operations in 2030 and full automation by 2033, in collaboration with Banedanmark and DSB.
The trains will also integrate Siemens Mobility’s Air-free Brake System, a solution that eliminates traditional pneumatic systems, reducing vehicle weight and CO₂ footprint by more than 50%, while also helping to lower operating costs.
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