Danish state railway operator DSB has signed a framework agreement with Siemens Mobility and Stadler for the delivery of 226 fully automated S-Bahn trainsets for Copenhagen, with an option for an additional 100 units. The contract also includes long-term maintenance and digital service solutions. The new fleet is intended to support the transition of Copenhagen’s S-Bahn network to fully automated operation and to accommodate long-term passenger demand growth.
The first trains are expected to enter service from the early 2030s, with deliveries continuing through the following decade. The project is designed to create one of the world’s largest open mainline rail systems operating at Grade of Automation 4 (GoA4), meaning fully unattended train operation. The automation programme is being implemented alongside the rollout of CBTC signalling across the network.
The new trains are designed for high-frequency urban operation, supporting significantly shorter headways in central sections of the network and enabling capacity increases across the system. The modernised network is expected to handle continued passenger growth in the Copenhagen metropolitan area, where S-Bahn services already form a core part of daily commuting flows.
The vehicles will feature large multi-purpose areas, step-free access, modern passenger information systems and optimised boarding flows. Technological innovations include new braking and monitoring systems aimed at reducing maintenance needs, improving operational efficiency and lowering lifecycle emissions.
For the supply chain, the project reinforces the position of European rolling stock manufacturers in large-scale automated suburban rail projects. Siemens Mobility will provide traction systems, bogies and automation technology, while Stadler will deliver car bodies, interiors and final assembly.
