Copenhagen’s S-Bane Enters a New Era as DSB Commissions 226 Driverless Trainsets from Siemens and Stadler

(IN BRIEF) DSB has signed a landmark framework contract with the Siemens Mobility–Stadler consortium for 226 fully automated four-car S-trains, with an option for up to 100 additional units, in a deal valued at around three billion euros that will create the world’s largest open railway system operating at GoA4 automation. Siemens Mobility will provide key electrical systems and long-term Railigent X-based maintenance support under a 30-year TSSSA+ agreement, while Stadler will supply carbodies, interiors, and final assembly, with first trains entering service from 2032 through to 2040. The new fleet, featuring barrier-free access, flexible interiors, air conditioning, and Siemens’ lightweight Air-free Brake System, will enable up to 35 percent more departures on some routes and capacity for around ten million additional journeys annually, while network-wide CBTC signaling upgrades aim to deliver fully driverless operations by 2033, strengthening reliability, capacity, and passenger comfort across Copenhagen’s S-Bane.

(PRESS RELEASE) BUSSNANG, 6-Feb-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Stadler, together with its consortium partner Siemens Mobility, has secured a landmark framework agreement with the Danish State Railways (DSB) for the delivery of 226 fully automated four-car S-train sets, marking a transformative moment in the 90-year history of Copenhagen’s S-Bane network. The contract, valued at approximately three billion euros and including an option for up to 100 additional trainsets, will establish the world’s largest open railway system operating at Grade of Automation 4 (GoA4).

Under the terms of the consortium, Siemens Mobility will serve as the lead partner, supplying the core electrical and digital systems for the new fleet. This includes propulsion and braking technology, onboard power supply, vehicle and train control systems, passenger information platforms, and bogies. Stadler will provide the carbodies, couplings, all interior fittings and seating, air conditioning systems, and doors, while also overseeing final assembly of the trains.

In addition to vehicle delivery, Siemens Mobility will implement a comprehensive Technical Support & Spares Supply Agreement (TSSSA+) anchored by its Railigent X service and maintenance framework. This long-term support concept is designed to ensure high levels of reliability, availability, and digital integration for at least 30 years. The first trains are scheduled to enter service from 2032, with remaining units delivered progressively to DSB until 2040.

Flemming Jensen, Chief Executive Officer of DSB, described the investment as the most significant in the history of the S-Bane. He emphasised that the new fleet will allow for higher frequencies, greater capacity, and a more resilient network capable of meeting rising passenger demand while maintaining its role as the backbone of Copenhagen’s public transport system.

Michael Peter, Chief Executive Officer of Siemens Mobility, highlighted the strategic importance of the order, noting that the consortium will deliver not only rolling stock but also intelligent mobility solutions such as Railigent X and the innovative Air-free Brake System. He also pointed to Siemens Mobility’s ongoing modernization of Copenhagen’s S-Bane signaling infrastructure, which is being upgraded for full automation by 2033 in collaboration with Banedanmark and DSB.

Ansgar Brockmeyer, Head of Marketing & Sales and Deputy Group CEO at Stadler, underscored the continuity of Copenhagen’s iconic S-train design while integrating modern comfort and automation capabilities. He said the order is of major strategic importance to Stadler and will further strengthen its presence in Northern Europe, building on its proven partnership with Siemens Mobility.

The largest transformation in the S-Bane’s history

With the shift to fully automated operations, DSB plans to significantly increase service frequency across the network. During peak hours, trains will run at intervals of up to seven and a half minutes per line, and as little as one and a half minutes in central Copenhagen. On several routes, this will translate into as much as 35 percent more departures than today, creating capacity for approximately ten million additional journeys annually. In 2025, around 111 million passengers used the S-Bane, and DSB expects this figure to continue rising.

Innovative design, spacious interiors, and advanced technology

The new S-trains feature a distinctive yet familiar aesthetic that aligns with DSB’s established design language while incorporating modern architectural elements. Large side and front windows create a bright, open environment and improve visibility for passengers. The vehicles are fully barrier-free, offering step-free access through ground-level entrances with sliding steps.

Each 56-metre train provides 120 fixed seats, 36 folding seats, and space for approximately 300 standing passengers, making them well suited for high-capacity urban service. Wider aisles and spacious entrance areas support smooth passenger flow even during peak travel periods. Flexible multi-purpose zones accommodate bicycles, wheelchairs, and prams, while enhanced external route displays and modern onboard information systems further improve usability.

Caption: Signing of the agreement (from left to right): Antonia Hoffmann, Bid Manager Siemens; Michael Schwarz, Sales Director Nordic Countries Stadler; Ansgar Brockmeyer, Head of Marketing & Sales Division and Deputy Group CEO Stadler; Pernille Dam Nielsen, CFO DSB; Gerry Greiter, CEO Region North-West Europe Siemens Mobility; Jürgen Müller, Executive Vice President, Strategy and Rolling Stock DSB; Jesper Nilson, CEO Siemens Denmark; Hans Henrik Jensen, CFO Siemens Denmark
Photo signing@Bjarke Orsted

Compared with existing rolling stock, the new fleet will offer greater flexibility in interior configuration, including 2+2 seating layouts, air conditioning, dedicated workspaces for commuters, and integrated wheelchair areas. These enhancements are intended to bring elements of long-distance train comfort into a suburban rail setting.

A key technological feature is Siemens Mobility’s Air-free Brake System, which replaces conventional pneumatic components with a lighter, more energy-efficient design. This innovation reduces vehicle weight and associated CO₂ emissions by more than 50 percent while lowering energy consumption and operational costs. Combined with a state-of-the-art propulsion system, the braking technology supports smoother, more precise, and more sustainable rail operations.

Comprehensive long-term service agreement

The 30-year service contract, with options for two additional five-year extensions, provides an all-inclusive maintenance framework. While DSB employees will conduct day-to-day maintenance, the consortium will retain overall responsibility for system performance and reliability. The agreement covers spare parts supply, operational support, and advanced cybersecurity services.

At the core of the maintenance strategy is a digital ecosystem integrating tools such as CORMAP, Railigent X, and a FRACAS/RAM reporting platform. These systems are designed to optimize predictive maintenance, enhance planning, and improve fleet reliability. On-call technical support and state-of-the-art workshop equipment will further support safe, punctual, and efficient operations.

Network-wide automation to strengthen capacity and reliability

In parallel with the new fleet order, Siemens Mobility is upgrading the entire 170-kilometre S-Bane network with Trainguard MT CBTC signaling to enable fully driverless GoA4 operations. The migration to automation will be implemented in five phases, with initial automated services expected by 2030 and full network automation targeted for 2033.

The transition to GoA4 is expected to increase network capacity, enhance punctuality, and improve the overall passenger experience while maintaining the highest safety standards and ensuring the long-term resilience of Copenhagen’s rail system.

About the companies

DSB is Denmark’s national railway company and has been a cornerstone of Danish public transport since its founding in 1885. Headquartered outside Copenhagen, DSB provides passenger rail services across Denmark, including regional and intercity routes, as well as the Strain network in the Copenhagen metropolitan area. Each year, DSB transports over 170 million passengers, making it one of Denmark’s most significant contributors to public mobility. Of those 110 million are S-train passengers. With a strong focus on sustainability and innovation, DSB is undergoing a green transformation by investing in electric trains and modernizing its fleet to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency. The company is committed to delivering reliable, comfortable, and environmentally friendly transport solutions for millions of passengers each year. DSB employs approximately 6,000 people.

Siemens Mobility is a separately managed company of Siemens AG. As a leader in intelligent ransport solutions for more than 175 years, Siemens Mobility is constantly innovating its portfolio. Its core areas include rolling stock, rail automation and electrification, a comprehensive software portfolio, turnkey systems as well as related services. With digital products and solutions, and the use of industrial AI, Siemens Mobility is enabling mobility operators worldwide to make their infrastructure intelligent, increase value sustainably over the entire lifecycle, enhance passenger experience, and guarantee availability. In fiscal year 2025, which ended on September 30, 2025, Siemens Mobility posted revenue of €12.4 billion and employed around 43,400 people worldwide. Further information is available at: www.siemens.com/mobility

Stadler has been building trains for over 80 years. The provider of mobility solutions in rail vehicle construction, service and signalling technology has its headquarters in Bussnang in eastern Switzerland. Around 17,200 employees work at eight production and six engineering sites and over 80 service locations, including around 6,000 employees in Switzerland. Stadler is the world’s leading manufacturer of vehicles with alternative drive systems (hydrogen and battery) and rack railway vehicles. The company is aware of its social responsibility for sustainable mobility and therefore stands for innovative, sustainable and durable quality products.

Copenhagen’s S-Bane Enters a New Era as DSB Commissions 226 Driverless Trainsets from Siemens and Stadler

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