ARRIVA has called on the Dutch government to allow private operators to help fill the void left by the withdrawal of Fyra high-speed services between the Netherlands and Belgium.

GERMAN Rail (DB) subsidiary DB Regio is to take on the operation of the Mid-German S-Bahn Network Lot 2 concession after the winning bidder Abellio decided to withdraw from the contract with the states of Saxony Anhalt and Brandenburg and Leipzig area transport authority ZVNL.

BERLIN Brandenburg Transport Association (VBB) has shortlisted operators for a 15-year concession to operate the ring line of the Berlin S-Bahn, currently run by German Rail (DB).

SAUDI Railways Organisation (SRO) has awarded a contract to DB International to supervise infrastructure design work, rolling stock production, and project management for the 450km Mecca – Jeddah – Medina high-speed line.

GERMAN Rail (DB) is to reopen the Hannover – Berlin high-speed line on November 4, several weeks earlier than expected.

GERMAN infrastructure manager DB Networks has launched a project which aims to determine the optimal rail profile for minimising noise from rail traffic in built-up areas.

GERMAN Rail (DB) said on September 11 that it expects to draw 35% of the traction current requirement for the German railway network from renewable energy sources by 2015, five years ahead of schedule.

GERMAN Rail (DB) has placed its first firm order for Link dmus from Pesa, Poland, after DB Regio was selected by Westfalen-Lippe Local Transport (NWL), Rhine-Ruhr Transport Association (VRR), and North Hessen Transport Association (NVV) to operate the so-called Sauerland Network from December 2016.

CONTINUING disruption to train services in Germany caused by flood damage to tracks near the River Elbe, exacerbated by staff shortages at a signalling centre in Mainz, a major junction on the network near Frankfurt, are likely to cost German Rail (DB) dear as a result of lost revenue and increased operating costs.

DB Regio introduced new Bombardier class 442 emus built for the Mid-German S-Bahn network around Leipzig on August 18, four months before they were due to enter service.