New Schönbuchbahn electric trains start on July 26th – free rides!

New Schönbuchbahn electric trains start on July 26th – free rides!

The Schönbuchbahn in Baden-Württemberg is about to enter a new era. The new Nexio electric vehicles will officially go into operation from July 26, 2025. District Administrator Roland Bernhard is pleased with this progress and that the vehicles have finally been approved by the Federal Railway Authority on March 18, 2025. “The waiting time for passengers is over,” said Bernhard.

There is great anticipation for the new trains after the project has faced repeated delays since 2021. Several dates for the maiden voyage have already had to be canceled, the first in May 2024 and the second in December 2024. These setbacks were partly attributed to disagreements between the manufacturer CAF and the special purpose association, which clarified responsibility for the delays and financial damage. A court case was considered, but was resolved in an amicable settlement.

Background to admission

The approval of the Nexio trains was fraught with challenges. The state railway supervisory authority submitted the application for approval in July 2017, but this was delayed several times due to problems with the braking technology. Even the long-term financial damage to the association amounts to around seven million euros. These arose from renting other trains, accommodation costs and additional personnel costs. In order to cushion these financial burdens, an agreement was reached that provides for compensation of five million euros to the association, payable over a period of 19 years.

In the last few weeks, train drivers have also started training in small groups so as not to disrupt ongoing operations. The integration of the new electric vehicles into planned operations should be completed by summer 2025. During this transition phase there will be a mixed operation of diesel and electric vehicles, with the maximum speed remaining limited to 80 km/h.

Outlook for the opening

To mark the opening of the new trains, free rides will be offered to passengers on the opening weekend. The Minister of Transport is also expected on this occasion, which underlines the importance of this project. Changes to the timetables are already being planned, although the connections to the S-Bahn will largely be maintained. The district office is currently announcing that specific details for the inauguration have not yet been determined, but preparations are underway.

Overall, the Schönbuchbahn is looking forward to an exciting new chapter that could significantly improve commuter connections in the region. The joy of the completed approval and the upcoming commissioning should allow the challenges of the last few years to fade into the background. Those responsible are looking forward to constructive cooperation in the future and express their gratitude for the support, especially to Dr. Walter Gerstner for leading the negotiations.

For more information please visit the articles on szbz.de and stuttgarter-nachrichten.de.