Contract for Berlin S-Bahn's maintenance granted to Deutsche Bahn-led grouping

- Consortium Led by Deutsche Bahn Secures S-Bahn Berlin Contract

In a significant development for the Berlin public transportation sector, a consortium led by Deutsche Bahn has been awarded the contract for operating, procuring, and maintaining Berlin S-Bahn trains. The 15-year contract, with a funding of €15 billion, will cover about two-thirds of the entire network, including the North-South lines and the city's East-West Stadtbahn.

However, the decision is not without controversy. Alstom, a key player in the tender process, has expressed its intention to legally challenge the award, citing its disadvantage in the tender process and a previous Berlin Chamber Court ruling that found key parts of the procedure to be unlawful. Alstom's lack of a partner for train operation was a reason for the tender request to separate operation and procurement.

The railway and transport union (EVG) welcomed the award decision, with its chairman Martin Burkert stating that the decision sets an important signal for long-term security. The Initiative Bahn für Alle, on the other hand, opposed the award of the S-Bahn contract and called for the procedure to be halted.

The tender process for the Berlin S-Bahn contract has been a long-drawn-out affair, with Stadler and Siemens set to deliver at least 1400 new carriages as part of the contract. DB subsidiary S-Bahn Berlin GmbH will carry out the operation, but the legal challenge by Alstom could further delay the entire process.

No new information about the cities affected by the delay, Alstom's legal challenge, or lack of a partner for train operation has been provided at this time. The contract award and potential legal challenge are significant events for the Berlin transportation sector and will likely have far-reaching implications for the city's public transportation network.