National Express has unveiled the first new Bombardier Talent 2 train it will be using to operate services in Germany’s North Rhine-Westphalia region from next year.
The British train operator has ordered 25 five-car and 10 three-car regional train sets from Bombardier for its German subsidiary.
A launch event, attended by British Ambassador to Germany Sir Simon McDonald, was held in Berlin last week in which the train broke through a banner reading “No driving on the left, but otherwise it’s very British!”.
The new trains will operate regional express services between Rheine-Munster-Cologne-Krefeld (Route RE7), and a Bonn-Cologne-Wuppertal stopping service (Route RB48) from December 13, 2015.
Andrew Chivers, managing director of National Express Rail, said: “Today is a hugely significant milestone for National Express’ German rail operations.
“A year from now we will be operating these excellent new trains to link some of the largest cities in Germany’s biggest state.
“Our successful expansion into Germany has been based on National Express’ excellent track record in the UK for operating punctual, safe and high-quality train services.
“We are looking forward to serving the people of North Rhine-Westphalia from next year.”
