FS Group / PKP Intercity / Bavaria / HLB / Transdev / Express Service

FS Group and Certares launch strategic high-speed rail partnership in France

FS Group and Certares have formed a strategic partnership to expand FS’s international high-speed rail operations, initially focusing on Trenitalia France. The collaboration includes a €1 billion investment plan, the creation of a joint venture, and fleet expansion to at least 19 trains, alongside a new maintenance facility near Paris. Trenitalia France, serving 4.7 million passengers on routes like Paris–Lyon, Paris–Marseille, and Paris–Milan, plans to launch Paris–London services and enhance cross-border connections, increasing daily frequencies and creating hundreds of jobs. Investments will also target technology, branding, marketing, and international service growth. Certares’ strong presence in France and the UK will support commercial distribution through its portfolio companies. (lp)

PKP Intercity awaits FPS H. Cegielski coach mock-ups as 2026 delivery nears

rynek-kolejowy.pl reports: PKP Intercity is awaiting interior mock-ups of new passenger coaches from FPS H. Cegielski, incorporating changes after criticism at Trako 2024. The carrier expects models for both first and second class as soon as possible. Despite delays, both parties confirm the contract schedule remains intact, with the first complete coaches due in July 2026. (sw)

Ministry of Transport in Bavaria (DE): Mireo Plus H is very prone to faults

The Ministry of Transport of Bavaria has recently mentioned that the hydrogen-powered Mireo Plus H pilot train around Augsburg has shown frequent technical faults and reliability issues during daily service over its one-year trial period. Siemens has now taken the single unit out of service for technical improvement. Nonetheless, the Bavarian government now seems less enthusiastic about Hydrogen as a means of propulsion. The three Mireo Plus H for Südostbayernbahn will still enter service as planned. (bv)

Siemens/BRB Mireo Plus H 563 001 in Augsburg (DE) on 10.09.2023 © Raphael Krammer

RMV in Hessen: pilot with battery train has started

On 16 December 2025, one Siemens Mobility’s Mireo BEMU of Smart Train lease has entered regular passenger service on the Wiesbaden–Niedernhausen line (Ländchesbahn or RB21). The unit we have seen is 94 80 0563 011/111. Financed by RMV and operated by Hessische Landesbahn, the one-year pilot marks Hessen’s first BEMU deployment to gather insights into battery train operation ahead of diesel-free operation on non-electrified routes. (sw)

Transdev helps Transdev: MRB Coradia trains for S-Bahn Hannover

Since 28 December 2025, S-Bahn Hannover has two Coradia Continental EMUs (class 1440) on loan from sister company Mitteldeutsche Regiobahn. Operating on the S6 until 22 March 2026, the trains improve vehicle availability and service reliability. So far, the older class 425 EMUs keep causing severe problems. For the same reason, S-Bahn Hannover has also extended the existing replacement concept with Smart Train Lease Mireo EMUs on the S6 beyond the December timetable change. Three units will continue operating between Hannover Central Station and Celle until the second half of February 2026. (sw)

Express Service in Bulgaria receives second Smartron locomotive

Express Service, Bulgaria’s sole locomotive manufacturer, has received a second Siemens Smartron locomotive. Following the delivery of 1080 055 in the summer of 2024, locomotive 1080 056 was transferred to Bulgaria last week. Based near Ruse, Express Service expands its modern electric fleet alongside its global production of diesel and battery shunting locomotives. (sw)