Transdev in Hannover and the Osthannoversche Eisenbahnen (OHE) have entered a partnership outlining that from July 1st, 2023 the fleet of the new Hannover commuter trains will be serviced and repaired in the OHE workshops in Celle in Lower Saxony. These are 64 brand-new Flirt 3 XL trains from the manufacturer Stadler and 13 trains from the existing fleet of the ET 425.5 type from Bombardier.
Hartmut Körbs, Managing Director of Transdev Hannover and Jost Knebel, Board Member of the Osthannoversche Eisenbahnen have now signed a partnership contract with a term of 15 years.
“This is a good example of how private rail companies work together. We all have a common interest in ensuring that the passengers are satisfied.” stated Jost Knebel.
“After carefully examining all options, we decided with OHE for an experienced service provider and for the workshop location in Celle. As the end point of the S6 and S7 lines, Celle is directly connected to the Hanover commuter rail network. With this combination, we ensure that our high-quality standards for the maintenance of all vehicles on the new commuter rail service are met,” said Hartmut Körbs.
Jost Knebel, emphasized the good cooperation between the private railway companies. Modern, reliable trains played an important role in passenger satisfaction. « We are very much looking forward to being able to make an important contribution to smooth and high-quality S-Bahn operations in Hanover with the experience and competence of the OHE workshops. »
The workshop in Celle is being expanded especially for this new task and the feeder tracks are electrified. This gives Transdev Hannover the security of being able to use all new and existing vehicles with a high level of availability and quality in the Hannover commuter rail network.