Rail Expansion Progresses as Stadler Secures Frankfurt CITYLINK Contract with Long-Term Service Agreement
(IN BRIEF) Stadler will deliver 27 CITYLINK trams to fahma, part of RMV, for future operation on the Regionaltangente West line in Frankfurt Rhein-Main. The dual-system vehicles will run on both mainline and light rail tracks, carry around 360 passengers per unit, and support barrier-free boarding across multiple platform heights. Initial vehicles for testing are expected in 2028, with the full fleet ready by late 2030 when RTW service is planned to begin. The contract includes a 30-year maintenance agreement covering servicing and spare parts. RMV and Stadler leadership highlighted the award as a key milestone for the RTW network and a step toward improving regional public transport connectivity.
(PRESS RELEASE) BERLIN, 5-Dec-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Stadler has secured a major order from Fahrzeugmanagement-Region Frankfurt RheinMain (fahma), a subsidiary of Rhein-Main-Verkehrsverbund (RMV), to deliver 27 CITYLINK trams for operation on the new Regionaltangente West (RTW) route. In addition to supplying the vehicles, the agreement also includes long-term maintenance and servicing, ensuring reliable operation throughout the fleet’s lifecycle.
Designed specifically for RTW requirements, the dual-system CITYLINK vehicles will be able to operate seamlessly on both mainline and light rail networks. Measuring around 50 meters in length, each tram will accommodate roughly 360 passengers, offering full accessibility across varying platform heights – crucial for a system that must interface with Deutsche Bahn platforms (76 cm and 96 cm) as well as RTW’s own 80 cm platforms. The aim is to provide barrier-free boarding for all passengers.
The first three CITYLINK units are scheduled for delivery in autumn 2028 to begin testing and approval procedures. Full fleet delivery is expected by autumn 2030, aligning with plans to launch the RTW into regular passenger service at the December 2030 timetable change. The maintenance contract spans 30 years, guaranteeing long-term operational support, spare parts supply, and servicing.
“With this vehicle order and maintenance agreement, another key milestone for the Regionaltangente West has been achieved,” said Prof. Knut Ringat, Managing Director of RMV and fahma. “Construction of the core route sections is already underway, and choosing the vehicles means we now have all the critical building blocks for opening in 2030.”
Iñigo Parra, CEO of Stadler Division Spain, noted that developing dual-system vehicles tailored for accessibility demands makes this a standout project. “We appreciate the trust placed in Stadler by fahma and RMV. CITYLINK will enable convenient transfers without changing trains, strengthening public transport appeal. Our experienced team is fully prepared to deliver the project on schedule,” he added.
About Stadler
Stadler has been building trains for over 80 years. The provider of mobility solutions in rail vehicle construction, service and signalling technology has its headquarters in Bussnang in eastern Switzerland. Around 16,600 employees work at eight production and six engineering sites and over 80 service locations, including around 6,000 employees in Switzerland. Stadler is the world’s leading manufacturer of vehicles with alternative drive systems (hydrogen and battery)
and rack railway vehicles. The company is aware of its social responsibility for sustainable mobility and therefore stands for innovative, sustainable and durable quality products.
Stadler Germany
Julia Bülow
Head Corporate Communications & Marketing
Phone: +49 1724640631
E-mail: presse.deutschland@stadlerrail.com
www.stadlerrail.com
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First published in this link of EuropaWIRE.
