Siemens is to begin testing the first train of its Rhine-Ruhr Express (RRX) fleet.
With the first pre-series Desiro EMUs now built, testing is due to begin at the Wegberg-Wildenrath test facility (PCW).
Seven test trains will undergo commissioning at the test centre. The first unit is set to go into commercial service in the Rhine-Ruhr region by the end of next year.
Siemens is supplying 82 four-car trains for the region to serve the new seven-line RRX network.
The order, which includes a 30-year maintenance contracts, is worth more than €1.7 billion – one of the largest regional rail rolling stock orders in the company’s history.
Sabrina Soussan, chief executive of the business unit within Siemens that looks after high-speed and regional rolling stock, said: “The start of tests at the PCW shows that we’re right on schedule with the RRX project.
“We’re testing here whether the trains are fit for their daily service in and between the cities in North Rhine-Westphalia. Each train of the entire RRX fleet will be commissioned right here, virtually on the doorstep of the public rail network.”
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