BeNEX has ordered 56 electric multiple-units from Siemens Mobility for Mainfranken regional services, announcing the deal during InnoTrans 2026. The fleet is scheduled to enter service at the end of 2030.

The order covers 26 four-car Desiro High Capacity double-deck trains and 30 three-car Mireo EMUs. They will operate the Frankfurt – Würzburg – Nürnberg/Bamberg routes under an operating contract running from December 2030 to December 2042.

Bayern railway authority BEG and Rhein-Main transport body RMV awarded the operating contract in July.

What will the new trains offer passengers?

The four-car Desiro HC units target routes with particularly high demand. Siemens Mobility described the double-deck trains as 'space miracles' providing 'a relaxed travel experience even during peak times', with 424 seats, 39 bicycle spaces and three toilets.

The three-car Mireo units will offer what Siemens Mobility called 'a balanced train design for both commuters and leisure travelers', with 210 seats, two toilets and 18 bicycle spaces.

Across the fleet, the trains will feature 'eco-friendly' air-conditioning, USB ports, and ETCS and PZB safety systems.

What do the operators say?

'The vehicles will set new standards in comfort and capacity for passengers in the region and offer a significantly improved travel experience', said BeNEX Managing Director Michael von Mallinckrodt on September 25.

'Our Desiro High Capacity and Mireo trains combine state-of-the-art rail technology with high capacity, accessibility and travel comfort', said Thomas Graetz, Head of Commuter & Regional Trains at Siemens Mobility. 'That's how we are creating conditions for more capacity for passengers on the network and making an important contribution to sustainable mobility in one of Germany's strongest economic regions.'

Deliveries ahead of December 2030 launch

The fleet order gives Siemens Mobility a 12-year production and delivery runway before the operating contract begins in December 2030. The mix of double-deck and single-deck units matches capacity to demand: 424-seat Desiro HC trains for the busiest corridors, 210-seat Mireo units elsewhere.

If deliveries stay on schedule, passengers on the Frankfurt – Würzburg – Nürnberg/Bamberg axis will board the new trains from the end of 2030, with the fleet then in service through December 2042.