Renewed splendour and more IT: the RB27 line gets a makeover in Hagen

"The RB27 redesign project for DB Regio NRW demanded a great deal from us as a team," said Lars Ullenboom, the head of production in Hagen. "We are proud of the fact that, despite facing challenges during the project, we have succeeded in delivering a high-quality product and completing the project on schedule. Teamwork definitely paid off for us."

Once the prototype phase was completed in mid-2018, series production of the 16 vehicles at the Hagen satellite depot of the Krefeld maintenance depot was given the green light. In November 2019, there were grounds for celebration as the final vehicle was successfully delivered to the customer in Cologne. The new-look RB27 line will carry passengers between Mönchengladbach and Koblenz.

The vehicles have also been equipped with state-of-the-art IT systems such as a passenger counting system, CCTV and a new traveller information system. The passenger area has also undergone a facelift. In addition to new seat cushions with a contemporary design, the vehicles now have adjustable armrests along the aisles and floor pictograms to indicate special spaces for stowing bicycles, wheelchairs and prams in the multi-purpose compartment. To complement the modern interior fittings, staff at the Hagen site also repainted the exterior of the trains for a fresh new look.