First DB's Class 423 EMU For ETCS OBU

On 21 March 2022, the first Class 423 EMU has arrived on schedule from Stuttgart in Hennigsdorf, where the train was handed over by DB to Alstom to be fitted with the ETCS OBU. In this prototype, Alstom will test, validate and approve the vehicle design for the ETCS implementation for the Stuttgart S-Bahn. The prototype conversion will be realised at the Hennigsdorf site. At the same time, the first new-built Class 430 EMU will be fitted with the on-board ETCS, forming part of the batch of 58 Class 430 trains, which were ordered in 2018.

In June 2021, Alstom signed a contract with DB Regio to equip 215 Stuttgart-based Class 423 and 430 EMUs with ETCS and ATO (Automatic Train Operation) as part of the Stuttgart 21 project, operating on the S-Bahn and conventional lines in the greater Stuttgart area. In addition, Alstom will also equip 118 SFBW (Landesanstalt Schienenfahrzeuge Baden-Württemberg) trains for regional transport in the Stuttgart area with the same technology.

The retrofitted EMUs with the latest ETCS are scheduled to start operation in Stuttgart from 2025, when the Germany's first digitalised rail junction for all train types, begins operation. The implementation of ETCS Level 2 or 3 and ATO in automation level 2 (GoA 2) is part of this project.

With more than 120 ETCS projects worldwide, 19,200 ETCS on-board units and 13,300 km of equipped lines, Alstom offers leading expertise in standards for signalling in regional and mainline transport.