Approved: New Vehicles for Schönbuchbahn

The Schoenbuchbahn line, a train service in Germany, is one step closer to transitioning from diesel to electric trains. The new electric vehicles, manufactured by Spanish company CAF (Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles), have received their operating license from the Federal Railway Authority.

County Administrator Roland Bernhard expressed relief, stating that the last major milestone has been achieved. The Schoenbuchbahn line, which runs between Boeblingen and Dettenhausen in Germany, has been waiting for these new trains since 2021.

The maiden voyage, initially scheduled for May 2024, was canceled due to delays in the approval process. A second scheduled maiden voyage in December was also postponed. However, the manufacturer and the licensing authority have found a solution, clearing the way for the next steps towards commissioning the new trains.

The Schoenbuchbahn's new electric trains, of the Nexio vehicle type, are intended for use on the Schoenbuchbahn line between Boeblingen and Dettenhausen. As they are gradually integrated into regular operation, the old diesel trains will be phased out.

Train drivers will be trained for the new electric vehicles to ensure a smooth transition. The exact date for the twice-postponed inauguration party for the new trains has not yet been set, but the Schoenbuchbahn is moving forward with the integration of the new electric trains into its service.

The approval of the trains has been delayed multiple times, with County Administrator Bernhard mentioning that the process was initially unlucky with many twists and turns. Despite these setbacks, the Schoenbuchbahn remains optimistic about the benefits that these new, eco-friendly trains will bring to its service and the communities of Boeblingen and Dettenhausen.