Siemens and Stadler consortium to deliver fully automated trains for S-Bane Copenhagen
World’s largest open railway system with automated train operation (GoA4) in the order of around three billion euros.
www.siemens.com
The Danish State Railways (DSB) has signed a framework contract with the consortium of Siemens Mobility and Stadler for the delivery of 226 fully automated 4-car trainsets in an iconic design with an option for up to 100 further trains. The fleet creates the world’s largest open railway system with automated train operation (ATO), with the consortium volume valued in the region of three billion euros.
Siemens Mobility, as a consortium leader, will be responsible for the electrical equipment, including the propulsion and braking systems, on-board power supply system, vehicle and train control systems, passenger information system and vehicle bogies. Stadler provides the carbodies, couplings, all interior fittings and seats, air conditioning and doors. Stadler also handles the final assembly of the trains.
The Danish State Railways (DSB) has signed a framework contract with the consortium of Siemens Mobility and Stadler for the delivery of 226 fully automated 4-car trainsets in an iconic design with an option for up to 100 further trains. The fleet creates the world’s largest open railway system with automated train operation (ATO), with the consortium volume valued in the region of three billion euros.
Siemens Mobility, as a consortium leader, will be responsible for the electrical equipment, including the propulsion and braking systems, on-board power supply system, vehicle and train control systems, passenger information system and vehicle bogies. Stadler provides the carbodies, couplings, all interior fittings and seats, air conditioning and doors. Stadler also handles the final assembly of the trains.
“Together with Stadler, we are proud to have been selected to build and maintain 226 new S‑trains for Copenhagen. This order will create the world’s largest open railway system with automated train operation. We’re not just delivering trains, but intelligent mobility solutions, including Railigent X and our innovative Air‑free Brake System, to keep Copenhagen’s public transport efficient and sustainable,” said Michael Peter, CEO of Siemens Mobility. “Our partnership with Copenhagen is long‑standing. We are already upgrading the S‑bane network with advanced signaling for full automation by 2033 on behalf of Banedanmark and DSB, building on our previous work to increase capacity and reliability.”
“With these new trains, we are continuing the iconic design tradition of the Copenhagen S-Bane S-train. The vehicles are a good example of how design goes hand in hand with comfort and pioneering technology. Designed for fully automated operation, passengers can look forward to trains that will significantly enhance their travel experience. The order is of great strategic importance and will help us to further expand our presence in Northern Europe. We thank DSB for the order and look forward to building the trains in our proven consortium with Siemens,” says Ansgar Brockmeyer, Head of Marketing & Sales Division and Deputy Group CEO of Stadler.
The biggest transformation in the 90-year history of the S-Bane
With the transition to fully automated train operations, DSB aims to significantly enhance service frequency of the Copenhagen S-bahn. During peak hours, trains will run with a maximum interval of seven and a half minutes on each line and as little as one and a half minutes between trains in central Copenhagen. On several routes, this will translate to up to 35 percent more departures compared to today, creating capacity for approximately ten million additional journeys annually. In 2025, around 111 million passengers traveled on the S-Bane, and DSB expects this number to continue growing in the coming years, thus preparing the S-Bane for the future.
Innovative design, plenty of space, forward-looking technology
The design of the new S-Bane trains is innovative and deliberately stands out from other suburban trains while remaining the well-known DSB design passengers are already familiar with. This ensures a sense of continuity and comfort for regular users. The large side- and especially front-windows enhance a bright and open feeling and offer passengers a good view to the front. The vehicles are barrier-free and significantly increase passenger comfort. The 56-metre-long trains have 120 seats, 36 folding seats and around 300 standing places. This gives them sufficient capacity for the busy S-Bane service. Wide aisles and spacious entrance areas ensure smooth passenger flow even during rush hour. The ground-level entrance with sliding steps provides step-free access. Flexible multi-purpose areas with folding seats offer space for bicycles, wheelchairs and prams. An optimised exterior display of route information outside the trains, modern passenger information systems, smooth running characteristics and low noise levels further increase comfort for passengers.
The future S-Bane trains will also offer greater flexibility in interior design compared to today’s trains or similar urban rail systems in Europe. Features will include 2+2 seating configurations, air conditioning, workspaces with tables for commuters, and integrated spaces for wheelchair users. By introducing these enhancements, the future S-Bane will deliver many of the same benefits passengers associate with long-distance trains, ensuring a more comfortable, efficient, and inclusive travel experience for all.
Innovative engineered components like the Air-free Brake System from Siemens Mobility will set new standards for operational performance. This groundbreaking system achieves a significant weight reduction and reduces the associated CO₂ footprint by over 50 percent through its innovative design, which replaces complex pneumatic systems and their associated energy consumption. Coupled with a state-of-the-art propulsion system, it delivers optimal performance and precision while generating substantial operational savings. Together, these advancements make a significant contribution to more sustainable and efficient railway operations.
Comprehensive service agreement for Copenhagen S-Bane
A 30-year service agreement with DSB, including options for two additional five-year extensions, has also been signed. This Technical Support & Spares Supply Agreement (TSSSA+) delivers an all-inclusive solution, covering everything from spare parts supply, and utilization support of DSB maintenance staff to cutting-edge cybersecurity services. The consortium will have overall responsibility for maintenance, while DSB employees will carry out the actual maintenance work. At its core is an advanced maintenance management system enhanced by innovative digital tools such as CORMAP, Railigent X, and a FRACAS/RAM reporting platform, designed to optimize maintenance planning and monitoring while boosting fleet reliability. The agreement ensures outstanding availability of Copenhagen’s S-Bane network. With comprehensive on-call support and state-of-the-art workshop equipment, Siemens and DSB will ensure safe, efficient, and punctual train operations.
Fully automated S‑Bane to boost capacity, reliability, and comfort
Siemens Mobility is also upgrading the entire 170-kilometer S-bane network in Copenhagen to the highest Grade of Automation (GoA4), enabling fully driverless operations with the CBTC solution, Trainguard MT. Announced in 2024, the signed contracts cover the delivery of all required trainborne and wayside signaling technology, including onboard equipment for 226 new trainsets. The migration to GoA4 will be carried out in five phases, with the first automated operations planned for 2030 and full automation targeted by 2033. By introducing GoA4 technology, the operator will be able to increase network capacity, improve the passenger experience, while maintaining highest level of security and Copenhagen’s strong punctuality levels, and ensure long-term resilience of the network.
www.mobility.siemens.com
