EIB helps finance Greater Berlin regional rail modernisation
The European Investment Bank (EIB) is providing €185 million to Ostdeutsche Eisenbahn to finance the modernisation of regional rail in Greater Berlin.
Deutsche Anlagen-Leasing is set to lease new, EIB-financed rolling stock to Ostdeutsche Eisenbahn which, in January 2019, won Lots 1 and 4 of the Europe-wide tender launched by Verkehrsverbund Berlin-Brandenburg for the modernisation of the Elbe-Spree network.
The EIB is supporting Ostdeutsche Eisenbahn with the implementation of Lot 1, which covers the purchase of an initial 21 six-car Desiro HC trains, which are expected to enter service on the RE1 regional express line linking Magdeburg with Cottbus via Berlin and Frankfurt (Oder) by the end of 2022.
The new trains offer a considerable improvement in comfort and have more space for bicycles, prams and wheelchairs and an accessible toilet in each multi-purpose carriage. They also have wider doors to enable faster boarding and free WiFi for passengers.
