Bombardier Transportation received a call-off from Deutsche Bahn AG (DB) to provide 25 double-deck intercity trainsets. The trainsets consist of 25 Bombardier Traxx locomotives and 124 Bombardier Twindexx Vario double-deck intercity cars.

The order is based upon two framework agreements signed with DB in 2008 and 2013. Delivery of the 25 trainsets is scheduled to start in 2019.

"The signing of the contract for 25 new Intercity 2 trains is an important milestone in our long-distance transport campaign, which will expand our service by 25 percent by 2030. With the new vehicles, we offer our customers a particularly comfortable and reliable travel in long-distance traffic," says Birgit Bohle, chair of the management board of DB Long Distance.

Passengers will benefit from greater comfort through ergonomic seats and adjustable headrests, larger luggage spaces, and stronger signals for mobile phones. Equipped with the European Train Control System, ETCS BL3 - Level 2, the trainsets will be homologated for cross border traffic in Germany and Switzerland. An extended maintenance data transmission system will support in optimizing service inspections. Each five-car trainset will be pulled by a third-generation Traxx AC3 locomotive fitted with sophisticated concepts to maximize energy savings in operation.

To date, the first batch of 27 five-car, long-distance, loco-hauled trainsets is already in successful operation on several routes in Germany. Additional 17 trainsets will be delivered in summer 2018. In total, more than 2,500 Twindexx Vario cars and close to 900 Traxx locomotives are operated by DB.