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Rhine-Ruhr S-Bahn
DBAG Class 422 type at Dortmund Hauptbahnhof
DBAG Class 422 type at Dortmund Hauptbahnhof
Overview
LocaleRhine-Ruhr, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Transit typeS-bahn
Number of lines11
Number of stations181
Annual ridership130 million
Düsseldorf/Rhine-Ruhr: 98 million[1]
Cologne: 32 million[2]
HeadquartersDüsseldorf, Germany
Websitewww.s-bahn-rhein-ruhr.de
www.s-bahn-koeln.de
Operation
Began operation1967
Operator(s) DB Regio NRW, Regiobahn (S28), RheinRuhrBahn (S7)
Headway15/20/30 min.
Technical
System length475 km (295.15 mi)
System map
Rhine-Ruhr S-Bahn network map including the Cologne S-Bahn

The Rhine-Ruhr S-Bahn (German: S-Bahn Rhein-Ruhr) is a polycentric S-bahn network covering the Rhine-Ruhr Metropolitan Region in the German federated state of North Rhine-Westphalia. This includes most of the Ruhr (and cities such as Dortmund, Duisburg and Essen), the Berg cities of Wuppertal and Solingen and parts of the Rhineland (with cities such as Cologne and Düsseldorf). The easternmost city within the S-Bahn Rhine-Ruhr network is Unna, the westernmost city served is Mönchengladbach.

The S-Bahn operates in the areas of the Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr and Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Sieg tariff associations, touching areas of the Aachener Verkehrsverbund (AVV) at Düren and Westfalentarif at Unna. The network was established in 1967 with a line connecting Ratingen Ost to Düsseldorf-Garath. Its coverage overlaps with the Cologne S-Bahn.

The system consists of 11 lines. Most of them are operated by DB Regio NRW, while line S28 is operated by Regiobahn and S7 by RheinRuhrBahn. S28 and S7 are two non-electrified lines of the network. The S1 runs 24/7 between Dortmund and Dusseldorf, while the S2 has a 24/7 service between Dortmund and Essen.

Rolling stock history

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Age of steam

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The predecessor of the S-Bahn was the so-called Bezirksschnellverkehr between the cities of Düsseldorf and Essen, which consisted of steam-powered push-pull trains, mainly hauled by Class 78, since 1951 also Class 65 engines.

Early electric years

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The first S-Bahn lines were operated using Silberling cars and Class 141 locomotives. However these were not suited for operations on a rapid transit network and were soon replaced by Class 420 electric multiple units.

Originally designed for the Munich S-Bahn, the Class 420 was judged in the mid-1970s to be unsuitable for the network[citation needed], mainly due to being uncomfortable and lacking on-board toilets.[citation needed]

The x-Wagen era

[edit]
An X-Wagen control car at Essen Süd in July 2014

Constructing an improved version of the 420 with the tentative designation Class 422 was discussed, but in 1978 the Deutsche Bundesbahn commissioned a batch of coaches from Duewag and MBB. These lightweight and modern coaches were designated as x-Wagen ("x-car") after their classification code Bx. Among the design elements inherited from the recent LHB prototype carriages were the bogies with disc brakes and rubber airbag shock absorbers that also included automated level control, ensuring level boarding from S-Bahn platforms with a standard height of 96 cm regardless of varying passenger loading.

In late 1978, the first prototypes of 2nd class type Bx 794.0 cars and Bxf 796.0 control cars were handed over to DB, followed by split first/second class cars type ABx 791.0 in early 1979. The prototypes were successful, so from 1981 to 1994 several series were commissioned, with some going to the Nuremberg S-Bahn system.

A Class 111 locomotive leads an orange-and-white S-Bahn service across the Hohenzollernbrücke into Köln Hauptbahnhof in 1985

The x-Wagen were mechanically coupled to form fixed sets of typically one ABx car, one or two Bx cars and one Bxf control car. This way a train offered seating for a total of 222 to 302 passengers and standing room for another 429 to 539 passengers. A few five-car sets ran on peak time services. All cars were of a walk-through design with mechanical doors at each end. Initially the ABx car ran on the loco end to keep passengers looking for a seat from disturbing first-class passengers. The orientation of trains was not predictable in practice however, so the ABx car was instead put in the middle of the train. In later years, when insufficient numbers of Bx cars were ready for service, some trains ran with two ABx cars.

Traction was provided by the Class 111 locomotives produced locally by Krupp in Essen. They had been designed for long-haul Intercity and limited-stop commuter train services with a maximum speed of 160 km/h (99 mph) and were not an ideal fit for rapid transit duty. After the German reunification, even before the old Deutsche Bundesbahn was merged with the Deutsche Reichsbahn of East Germany to form the new Deutsche Bahn, the Class 143 Reichsbahn engines replaced the Class 111 on the S-Bahn network, limiting the top speed on the network to 120 km/h (75 mph) but with better acceleration and noticeably less jolting.

Rolling stock today

[edit]
S-Bahn Rhein-Ruhr Series 422 at Angermund station
Class 1440 (Alstom Coradia Continental) train at Wuppertal Hauptbahnhof
S-Bahn Rhein-Ruhr train pulling out of Düsseldorf Volksgarten station

The Cologne S-Bahn section went into full operation in 2002 in conjunction with the opening of the Cologne-Frankfurt high speed line. It runs with Class 423 EMUs on lines S11, S12 and S13/S19. Due to recent service improvements, there are insufficient numbers of Class 423 EMUs available, so Class 420 electric multiple units can be found on line S12.

Starting in 2008, 84 units of Class 422 were introduced in the Ruhr area section and around Düsseldorf, replacing the x-Wagen loco-hauled trains.

These newer classes of EMUs once again increased the maximum speed on the network to 140 km/h (87 mph) where permitted, which together with the better acceleration of the EMUs did reduce delays that had become entrenched in the latter years of x-Wagen operations.

The S28 is not operated by DB Regio NRW, but by Regiobahn, which uses Integral S5D95 DMUs.[3] The S7 uses Alstom Coradia LINT DMUs and is operated by RheinRuhrBahn.

New electric rolling stock for the S5 and S8 lines was introduced in December 2014 after having been tested on S68 since October 2014. These Alstom Coradia trains are operated by DB Regio NRW and offer on-board toilet facilities.

All trains of Rhine-Ruhr S-Bahn ran with the red DB livery except for the S7 and S28 trainsets which are painted in the colours of their respective operators.

Rolling stock after 2019

[edit]

Starting in December 2019, there will be major changes in the Ruhr area section of the network: The standard service pattern will be altered from a 20-minute to a 30-minute or 15-minute headway. Services around Düsseldorf and Cologne will not be affected and remain on their 20-minute schedule.

Several services will no longer be operated by DB Regio NRW, but by Abellio Rail NRW.[4] Simultaneously, the livery of all trains will change to green and white to uphold a uniform appearance regardless of operator.[5]

Lines S2, S3 and S9 as well as several Regionalbahn lines that will complement or supplant S-Bahn services will use Stadler FLIRT 3 XL units. Upon eventual electrification, those are also going to run on line S28, sporting Regiobahn's red and white livery.

Rolling Stock 2025

[edit]

S-Bahn Rhein Ruhr

2014: 28x ET(1)440 class

lines: S5, S8

DB / Deutsche Bahn livery,

2018: 48x ET422 class

lines: S1, S4

DB / S-Bahn Rhein-Ruhr livery,

2019: 21x ET(3)427/(3)429 class

lines: S2, S3, S9

DB / S-Bahn Rhein-Ruhr livery.

DIESEL

1998: 10x VT609 class

line: S28

Regiobahn / Regiobahn livery,

2013: 9x VT(1)648 class

line: S7

Rhein-Ruhr-Bahn / Abellio livery.

S-Bahn Rheinland

2000: 63x ET423 class

lines: S11, S12, S19

DB / Deutsche Bahn livery,

2007: 36x ET422 class

lines: S6, S11, S68

DB / Deutsche Bahn livery,

2024: 24x ET424 class

lines: S12, S19

DB / S-Bahn Rheinland livery.

DIESEL

2014: 11x VT620/622 class

line: S23

DB / Deutsche Bahn livery.

In total there are 250 trains in service for two S-Bahn systems in the Rhine-Ruhr area.

After Abellio became insolvent in 2022, other companys got new contracts to keep the lines S2, S3, S7 and S9 in service.

In 2024 class ET424 got new in service to give up the old trains class ET 420. These trains have been originally in service for S-Bahn Hannover since 2000 and got a redesign for the S-Bahn Rheinland.

In 2025 the name S-Bahn Köln has been changed to S-Bahn Rheinland. The classes ET 423 (2000) and ET 422 (2007) also got a new redesign, with new seats and the S-Bahn Rheinland logo on the side. Furthermore the lines S6 and S68 are now part of the S-Bahn Rheinland.

Future

[edit]

S-Bahn Rhein-Ruhr

In 2027 line S28 will be operated by 10 trains class ET (3)427. Six trains of these will have the S-Bahn Rhein-Ruhr livery, while the other four trains show the Regiobahn livery.

Vias Rail will operate line S5 and S8 starting 2030 with 33 new trains class ET (3)427 in the S-Bahn Rhein-Ruhr livery.

S-Bahn Rheinland

Furthermore line S23 will be operated by trains class ET 442 (Bombardier Talent 2) starting 2028. These trains are already in service by Deutsche Bahn on other lines and will switch to the S-Bahn Rheinland 2028.

For 2029 there are up to 90 new trains ordered from Alstom for the lines S6, S11, S12, S19, S68 and some new lines. These trains will have 7 or 11 cars and will made it unnecessary to build coupled trains on the lines.

Lines

[edit]

The region's lines were mainly built by three major private railway companies of the early industrial era: The Cologne-Minden Railway Company, the Bergisch-Märkische Railway Company and the Rhenish Railway Company. After nationalisation and in the post-WW2-era, more lines were built or altered to accommodate S-Bahn services.

A number of tunnel sections were added to extend the S-Bahn to new high-density housing estates (e. g. Cologne-Chorweiler), to suburbs that had historically been villages (e. g. Dortmund-Lütgendortmund station) or the Dortmund university founded in 1968.

Lines before December 2019

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Kursbuchstrecken 450.x (x is equivalent to the number of the line), as of 13 December 2009.

Lines after December 2019

[edit]
Line Route Railways used Length Operating company Opening date of first section[6] First section[6]
S1 Dortmund Hbf – Bochum Hbf – Essen Hbf – Mülheim (Ruhr) Hbf – Duisburg Hbf – Düsseldorf Airport – Düsseldorf Hbf – Hilden – Solingen Hbf Dortmund–Duisburg, Cologne–Duisburg, Düsseldorf–Solingen 97 km DB Regio 26.05.1974 Bochum – DU-Großenbaum
S2 Dortmund Hbf – Dortmund-Dorstfeld – Dortmund-Mengede – Herne
– (Gelsenkirchen Hbf – Essen Hbf) or – Recklinghausen Hbf 		Dortmund–Duisburg, Welber–Sterkrade, Duisburg–Dortmund, part of Gelsenkirchen–Essen or Herne–Hamburg 58 / 42 / 33 km[verification needed] DB Regio 02.06.1991 Dortmund – Duisburg
S3 Oberhausen – Mülheim (Ruhr) Hbf– Essen Hbf – Essen-Steele – Hattingen (Ruhr) Mitte Dortmund–Duisburg, Essen–Bochum, Ruhr Valley 33 km DB Regio 26.05.1974 Oberhausen – Hattingen (Ruhr)
S4 Dortmund-Lütgendortmund – Dortmund–Dorstfeld – Unna-Königsborn – Unna Osterath–Dortmund Süd, Welver–Sterkrade, Fröndenberg–Kamen 30 km DB Regio 03.06.1984 DO-Germania – Unna
S5 Dortmund Hbf – Witten Hbf – Wetter (Ruhr) – Hagen Hbf (– Mönchengladbach Hbf; as S8, see below) Dortmund–Hagen 31 km DB Regio 29.05.1994 Whole length
S6 Essen Hbf – Ratingen Ost – Düsseldorf Hbf – Langenfeld (Rheinl) – Köln Hbf – Köln-Nippes Essen–Essen-Werden, Ruhr Valley, Cologne–Duisburg, Lower Left Rhine 78 km DB Regio 28.09.1967 Ratingen Ost – D-Garath
S7 Wuppertal Hbf – Remscheid Hbf – Solingen Hbf Elberfeld–Dortmund, Wuppertal–Solingen 41 km RheinRuhrBahn [7] 15.12.2013 Whole length
S8 (As S5, see above; Dortmund Hbf –) Hagen Hbf – Wuppertal Hbf – Wuppertal-Vohwinkel – Düsseldorf – Neuss Hbf – Mönchengladbach Hbf Hagen–Schwelm, Elberfeld–Dortmund, Elberfeld–Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf–Mönchengladbach 82 km DB Regio 29.05.1988 Whole length
S9 Recklinghausen Hbf / Haltern am See – Gladbeck West – Bottrop Hbf – Essen Hbf – Essen-Steele – Velbert-Langenberg – Wuppertal-Vohwinkel – Wuppertal Hbf – Hagen Hbf Herne–Hamburg, Hamm–Osterfeld, Mülheim–Oberhausen, Dortmund–Duisburg, Wuppertal–Essen, Düsseldorf–Elberfeld 90 km DB Regio 24.05.1998 Haltern –
Essen-Steele
S28 Wuppertal Hauptbahnhof – Mettmann Stadtwald – Düsseldorf Hbf – Neuss Hbf – Kaarster See Düsseldorf–Dortmund, Düsseldorf–Neuss, Neuss–Viersen 34 km Regiobahn 26.09.1999 Whole route
S68 Wuppertal-Vohwinkel – Düsseldorf Hbf – Langenfeld (Rheinl)
This service has been halted due to staff shortages until further notice. 		Wuppertal–Düsseldorf, Cologne–Duisburg 39 km DB Regio 13.12.2009 Whole length

Network map

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Map

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Rhine-Ruhr S-Bahn

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The Rhine-Ruhr S-Bahn is a polycentric suburban rail network serving the core of the densely populated Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region through the Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr (VRR) area in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia, comprising 11 lines (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9, S11, and S28) that span over 475 kilometers of track and connect more than 180 stations across major cities including Dortmund, Essen, Duisburg, Düsseldorf, Bochum, and Wuppertal. It operates as the backbone of regional rail transport in this area, which covers 16 independent cities along with seven districts home to approximately 7.8 million residents, providing high-frequency services with 15-minute intervals during peak hours and 30-minute intervals off-peak. The system's origins date back to the 1930s with the introduction of the Ruhrschnellverkehr, a precursor fast local train service, but the modern officially began on September 28, 1967, with the opening of the initial line from Düsseldorf-Garath to Ratingen Ost, followed by the launch of the first Ruhr-area lines (S1 and S3) on May 26, 1974. Subsequent expansions included the extension of S1 to in 1983 and to in 2009, creating Germany's longest route at nearly 100 kilometers, while a shift to demand-oriented timetables in December 2019 further optimized service frequencies. Today, the network is integrated into the Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr (VRR) association, established in 1980 to coordinate fares, timetables, and across buses, trams, U-Bahn, and rail services in the region. Operations are handled by seven railway companies under VRR oversight, primarily DB Regio NRW for most lines, with specialized operators such as RheinRuhrBahn for S7 and Regiobahn for S28, utilizing a mix of electric multiple units including and models designed for high capacity and speeds up to 160 km/h. In 2025, VRR awarded contracts to Vias Rail for operating S5, S8, and RE 41 from December 2029, accompanied by an order for 36 XL multiple units to enhance capacity. Recent developments include fleet expansions, such as the conversion of seven three-car trains to five-car units by 2029 to increase seating by 64% to 296 per train, addressing growing demand in this industrial and urban hub. The S-Bahn's role extends beyond daily commuting, supporting economic connectivity in Europe's largest while ongoing investments focus on upgrades, like raising platforms to 76 cm at around 50 stations, and sustainable mobility initiatives.

Overview

Network description

The Rhine-Ruhr S-Bahn is a polycentric suburban rail network spanning the in the German state of , designed to link multiple urban centers without a single dominant hub. It primarily connects key cities including , , , , , and , providing essential commuter services that integrate urban cores with surrounding suburbs across this expansive, multi-city agglomeration. The network's coverage overlaps partially with the adjacent Rhein-Sieg system—formerly known as the Cologne S-Bahn or S-Bahn Rheinland—in the area, where services from both transport associations share infrastructure and routes to ensure seamless regional connectivity. This integration supports coordinated operations under separate authorities, the Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr (VRR) and Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Sieg (VRS). Serving as a vital backbone in Germany's largest metropolitan region, serving approximately 7.8 million inhabitants in the VRR area, the Rhine-Ruhr S-Bahn emphasizes efficient urban and suburban linkages in one of Europe's most densely populated areas. It accommodates high demand through frequent services, typically operating at 15-minute headways during daytime peak periods and 30 minutes in evenings and on weekends, thereby facilitating reliable daily travel for millions of passengers annually.

Key statistics

The Rhine-Ruhr S-Bahn network consists of 11 lines covering a total route length of 475 km. It serves 181 stations throughout the region. Daily operations involve approximately 1,200 trains, with lines S1 and S2 providing on select segments. Peak frequency on core routes reaches every 10-15 minutes.
StatisticValue
Number of lines11
Total route length475 km
Number of stations181
Daily trains~1,200
Peak frequency (core routes)10-15 minutes
24/7 serviceLines S1, S2 (select segments)

History

Origins and early development

The origins of the Rhine-Ruhr S-Bahn trace back to the late 19th century, when local rail services in the densely industrialized Ruhr Valley began using steam locomotives for commuter transport. By the 1930s, these evolved into the structured Ruhrschnellverkehr system, which operated rapid services on dedicated tracks between major cities like Essen, Dortmund, and Duisburg, primarily hauled by Class 78 (former Prussian T18) and, from 1951, Class 65 tank locomotives designed for suburban passenger duties. These steam-powered trains provided frequent connections for workers in the coal and steel industries, running up to every 20 minutes during peak hours and serving as the backbone of regional mobility until the mid-1950s. World War II disrupted these services, but post-war reconstruction relaunched them in 1948 under the name Nahschnellverkehr, later redesignated Bezirksschnellverkehr, with steam operations persisting amid widespread infrastructure damage. The transition to electric traction accelerated in the early 1950s as part of broader efforts in the area, driven by the need for more efficient and reliable suburban rail amid economic recovery. By the late 1950s, initial electric services emerged using locomotive-hauled trains, such as Class 141 units with Silberling coaches, on key routes to handle growing commuter demand. The 1960s marked the formal modernization phase, with the introduction of electric multiple units (EMUs) tailored for high-frequency suburban operations, enhancing speed and capacity over steam predecessors. A pivotal Rahmenabkommen agreement on , 1965, between and initiated coordinated regional planning, building on 1950s efforts to integrate fragmented local rail services across the . This culminated in the official designation on September 28, 1967, with the opening of line S6 between Düsseldorf-Garath and Ost, the first electric segment in the network, initially using push-pull configurations for rapid transit-like service. The line was extended to on May 26, 1968, and progressively southward to by the early 1970s, establishing the foundational east-west corridor. These developments laid the groundwork for integrated regional transport, with roots in coordination among municipalities and the state to address overlapping rail operations in the polycentric area. The Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr (VRR) formalized this on January 1, 1980, as the first multicentric transport association in , unifying fares, timetables, and planning for rail and other modes across the Rhine-Ruhr conurbation.

Expansion and modernization

The expansion of the Rhine-Ruhr S-Bahn network began in earnest in the late 1960s, with initial services launching on September 28, 1967, between Düsseldorf-Garath and Ratingen Ost, marking the system's polycentric origins across the and areas. By 1974, significant growth occurred through the opening of major lines that enhanced connectivity between the industrial core and Düsseldorf; on May 26, 1974, the S1 line commenced operations from Duisburg-Großenbaum to Bochum Hauptbahnhof, spanning approximately 40 kilometers and serving key urban centers like and Mülheim an der Ruhr. Simultaneously, the S3 line opened on the same date between Hauptbahnhof and Hattingen, covering 33 kilometers and linking eastern suburbs with the Rhine-Ruhr axis. A pivotal modernization effort in the late 1970s focused on increasing capacity through new suited to high-density commuter demand. In 1978, prototypes of the x-Wagen double-deck trailer cars were introduced, designed for fixed-formation push-pull operations and paired with Class 111 electric locomotives to form semi-permanent trainsets; these vehicles, featuring orange-and-white , enabled efficient double-deck configurations with up to 500 seats per unit, replacing older single-level ET 420 multiple units. Production series of x-Wagen entered service from 1981, operated with both Class 111 and later Class 143 locomotives, and remained in use until their gradual replacement starting in 2008 by Class 422 electric multiple units, significantly boosting passenger throughput on core routes like the S1 by accommodating growing ridership in the densely populated region. This shift from single-level to double-deck trains addressed capacity constraints, with x-Wagen sets offering nearly double the seating compared to predecessors while maintaining compatibility with existing infrastructure. Further line additions in the and early solidified the network's role in Ruhr- connectivity. The S8 line opened on May 29, 1988, extending 72 kilometers from Hagen Hauptbahnhof through to Mönchengladbach Hauptbahnhof, incorporating new stations and integrating with to serve over 50 stops across the . Extensions to the S2 followed on June 2, 1991, when services began from to and , later reaching , enhancing east-west links in the central with 10-minute peak frequencies. Network consolidation accelerated in the 1980s through integration into the Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr (VRR) tariff system, established on January 1, 1980, which unified fares across buses, trams, and rail services including the , eliminating transfer penalties and promoting seamless multimodal travel across the 4,000-square-kilometer area. By the , the system had expanded to 7-8 operational lines, totaling over 300 kilometers of route, with coordinated timetables and shared infrastructure under VRR oversight to support daily ridership exceeding 200,000 passengers.

Recent changes

In the late 1990s and early , the Rhine-Ruhr S-Bahn network saw several key line openings that enhanced connectivity across the area. The S9 line began partial operations in 1991 between and , with full service to commencing on May 24, 1998, providing a vital north-south corridor through the region. Similarly, the S28 line opened on September 26, 1999, linking Stadtwald to Kaarster See via and , operated by Regiobahn as a diesel-powered service to serve non-electrified sections. The S68 line was introduced on December 13, 2009, as a peak-hour relief service between Wuppertal-Vohwinkel and Langenfeld via , aimed at alleviating congestion on parallel routes. A major reconfiguration occurred in December 2019, reducing the number of lines from 13 to 11 as part of a new operating concept by the Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr (VRR). This involved renaming and integrating lines S11, S12, and S13 into extended S7 and S9 services, while incorporating elements of the former Rhine-Ruhr Express (RRX) for improved frequencies in a 15/30-minute takt on core sections. The changes introduced new FLIRT trainsets and aimed to streamline operations amid the rollout of the RRX project, enhancing overall network efficiency without altering underlying infrastructure. In 2025, the network underwent capacity updates to reflect regional integration. The S-Bahn Köln is planned to be renamed S-Bahn Rheinland, with the change announced in 2024 and expected in 2025, aligning with expanded operations across the broader Rheinland area and shifting from Cologne-centric branding to emphasize connectivity with the Ruhr. Concurrently, VRR initiated capacity expansions on lines S2, S3, and S9 by lengthening seven three-car FLIRT trains to five cars between 2027 and 2029, increasing seating from 180 to 296 per train—a 64% gain—to address growing demand in the Dortmund-Essen corridor. In July 2024, go.Rheinland and VRR awarded Alstom a €4 billion contract for 90 new electric multiple units for the S-Bahn Rheinland, with deliveries starting in 2029 to enhance capacity and support network integration. Operational challenges, particularly staffing shortages, impacted services post-2020. The S68 line was temporarily suspended in response to personnel constraints, with passengers redirected to S6 and S8; this halt, announced by VRR, highlighted broader issues in maintaining peak-hour relief lines amid industry-wide labor shortages. As of November 2025, the suspension remains in effect until further notice.

Operations

Governing bodies and operators

The Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr (VRR) serves as the principal for the Rhine-Ruhr S-Bahn, coordinating operations, tariffs, and planning across the Ruhr region's multicentre . Established on , 1980, as the first transport association to span such a diverse metropolitan zone, VRR standardizes ticketing, including the VRR-Tarif that integrates buses, trams, and rail services, and oversees capacity expansions to meet growing demand, such as recent upgrades on subnetwork 1. Complementing VRR, the Rhein-Sieg-Verkehrsverbund (VRS) governs integration in the and surrounding Rheinland districts, managing five counties and four cities to ensure coordinated services that connect seamlessly with the Rhine-Ruhr network. VRS handles local tariffs, such as the for nationwide access, and maintains operational continuity during disruptions, positioning lines as vital alternatives in the greater area. Primary operations are distributed among specialized providers under VRR contracts. DB Regio NRW handles the core network, including lines S1 to S6, S8, and S9, delivering the bulk of daily services across the and surrounding valleys. RheinRuhrBahn, a subsidiary, operates line S7 from via to under a five-year running until 2028, with an option for extension to 2031 and approximately 1.4 million train-kilometers annually. Regiobahn manages line S28 from Kaarst to via and , awarded a 15-year starting 2021 that incorporates electric multiple-units for enhanced capacity. Looking ahead, Vias Rail has been selected as the preferred bidder for a 15-year operating contract awarded in September 2025 by VRR, covering lines S5 and S8 starting December 2029 and encompassing 3.8 million train-kilometers per year; the agreement includes leasing 36 new XL electric multiple-units owned by VRR to support sustainable expansion.

Service patterns

The Rhine-Ruhr S-Bahn operates with standardized frequency patterns to accommodate commuter demand across its multi-center network. During peak hours on weekdays, main lines such as the S1, S6, and S8 provide services every 15 to 20 minutes, ensuring efficient connections between key urban centers like , , , and . Off-peak frequencies typically reduce to every 30 minutes, maintaining accessibility throughout the day from early morning until late evening. On high-demand segments, particularly within the core and around , combined services from multiple lines can achieve effective headways as frequent as 10 minutes during rush periods. To support round-the-clock mobility, the network includes limited 24/7 operations on select routes during weekends and holidays. The S1 line offers continuous night services between and , with hourly departures, while the S2 provides similar overnight coverage between and , facilitating late-night travel for passengers in the northern area. These night services operate at reduced frequencies, typically hourly, and are integrated into the overall timetable to bridge gaps in bus and tram operations. Accessibility features have been significantly improved across the fleet since 2019, with modernized ET 422 trains and new acquisitions providing enhanced barrier-free access, including wider doors, dedicated spaces for wheelchairs, and tactile guidance systems on most units. While not all older is fully low-floor, the majority of services now offer level boarding at equipped stations, promoting inclusive travel for passengers with disabilities. Seamless integration with regional trams and buses is facilitated through the VRR app, which enables real-time journey planning, ticket purchasing, and multimodal routing across the entire Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr network. In response to growing peak-hour demand, the VRR announced a capacity expansion project in October 2025, including the extension of seven three-car trains to five-car configurations on lines S2, S3, and S9. This upgrade, part of the FLIRT 3XL series, will increase by 64% to 296 per train, with work scheduled for 2027 to 2029, allowing for greater passenger throughput without altering frequency patterns. These enhancements target congestion in the densely populated and areas, where daily ridership exceeds hundreds of thousands.

Lines

Current lines

The Rhine-Ruhr S-Bahn network comprises 11 active lines as of 2025, serving the densely populated area, , and connections to and the , with services coordinated by the Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr (VRR). These lines provide frequent urban and suburban rail connections, typically at 15- to 30-minute intervals during peak hours, utilizing a mix of electrified and non-electrified routes. While most lines are operated by DB Regio AG, some are handled by specialized regional providers. The following details outline each line's primary route, approximate length, year of establishment, operator, and notable features.
LineRouteLengthYearOperatorKey Features
S1Dortmund Hbf – Solingen Hbf97 km1974DB Regio AGConnects the industrial Ruhr region to the Bergisch Land, passing through Bochum, Essen, Duisburg, and Düsseldorf; operates 24/7 on core sections with up to 15-minute frequencies.
S2Dortmund Hbf – Essen Hbf / Gelsenkirchen / Recklinghausen58 / 42 / 33 km1991DB Regio AGForms a northern loop through the Ruhr's central cities, with branching services; 15-minute takt on main segments, integral to high-density commuter flows.
S3Oberhausen – Hattingen Mitte33 km1974DB Regio AGShort eastern Ruhr line linking Oberhausen and Bochum areas; focuses on local connectivity with 30-minute intervals.
S4Dortmund-Lütgendortmund – Unna30 km1984DB Regio AGBranches from Dortmund to Unna, serving southern Westphalia; operates in a 30-minute cycle as a feeder to main lines.
S5Dortmund Hbf – Hagen Hbf31 km1994DB Regio AG (until Dec 2029, then VIAS Rail GmbH)Follows the Volme Valley route through Witten; 30-minute service, with planned operator transition for enhanced reliability.
S6Essen Hbf – Köln Hbf78 km1967DB Regio AGCrosses the Rhine to connect the Ruhr with Cologne, integrating with the S-Bahn Köln network; 20-minute takt, one of the oldest lines.
S7Wuppertal Hbf – Solingen Hbf41 km2013RheinRuhrBahn GmbHServes the Wupper area with diesel multiple units; 20-minute daytime service, non-electrified route emphasizing regional links.
S8Hagen Hbf – Mönchengladbach Hbf82 km1988DB Regio AG (until Dec 2029, then VIAS Rail GmbH)Extends to the Lower Rhine via Wuppertal and Düsseldorf; 20-minute core frequencies, key for cross-regional travel.
S9Recklinghausen / Haltern am See – Hagen Hbf90 km1998DB Regio AGTraverses the Emscher Valley through Gelsenkirchen and Essen; 15-minute takt on busy sections, supports northern Ruhr mobility.
S11Düsseldorf Flughafen – Wuppertal Hbf35 km2002DB Regio AGConnects Düsseldorf Airport to Wuppertal via Mettmann and integrates with S-Bahn Köln; 20-minute intervals on weekdays.
S28Wuppertal Hbf – Kaarster See34 km1999Regiobahn GmbHBranches toward Düsseldorf airport area; non-electrified diesel operation with 20-minute intervals, electrification planned by 2026.

Historical configurations

The Rhine-Ruhr S-Bahn network underwent significant reconfiguration in December 2019, consolidating from 13 lines (S1 through S13) to 11 lines to simplify operations and enhance service reliability. Prior to this change, the system featured more fragmented services, including a separate S11 line that operated between Düsseldorf Airport and Wuppertal, which continues as an independent route. Similarly, the S12 and S13 lines, which provided northern extensions toward Haltern and Dorsten, were merged into the restructured S9 to reduce duplication and streamline northern Ruhr access. Rhine services were particularly fragmented pre-2019, with multiple overlapping routes along the river corridor that complicated passenger navigation. This consolidation coincided with the absorption of select Regional-Express (RE) and (RB) services into the S-Bahn framework, such as RE 49 ( to ) and RB 32, to bolster suburban rail capacity without introducing new infrastructure. The December 2019 timetable shift, implemented by the Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr (VRR), introduced a uniform 15/30-minute takt structure across core segments, replacing the previous variable frequencies and eliminating redundant paths. These adjustments were part of a broader tender process that awarded operations to multiple providers, including and others, following the expiration of prior contracts. Earlier development from 1967 to the centered on the core, with initial lines like S1 (Duisburg to , launched in 1974) and S3 (Oberhausen to Hattingen) establishing the foundational east-west spine, later extended to include S2, S4, and S5 for denser urban coverage in the industrial heartland. By the , expansions such as the introduction of S9 in 1991 (initially to , extended to Haltern in 1998) pushed the network's northern reach, connecting more peripheral areas to the valley. The 2019 reforms reduced overlaps from these incremental additions, allowing survivors like S6 (which retained its to route) to achieve higher frequencies and greater passenger throughput.

Rolling stock

Historical rolling stock

The origins of the Rhine-Ruhr S-Bahn's rolling stock trace back to the steam era, where local stopping services in the area were primarily operated using push-pull trains hauled by Class 78 (Prussian T 18) tank locomotives during the Ruhrschnellverkehr initiative starting in the . These versatile 2'C2' locomotives, known for their suitability in regional passenger operations, connected key urban centers with four-axle compartment cars on dedicated tracks, maintaining a fixed timetable until electrification efforts advanced. From 1951, the newly designed Class 65 tank locomotives supplemented the Class 78 fleet, providing enhanced performance for these dense short-distance routes. As electrification progressed in the post-war period, steam operations gave way to electric traction, with the network's first line (S 6 from Düsseldorf-Garath to Ost) opening in 1967 using Class 141 electric locomotives hauling n-Wagen Silberling coaches due to a shortage of purpose-built units. The Class 420 electric multiple units (EMUs), initially developed for high-frequency urban services, were introduced in the Rhine-Ruhr region around 1974 to support expanding lines like the S 1 and S 3, offering improved acceleration and door configurations for rapid boarding. However, these three-car sets proved inadequate for surging passenger volumes by the late 1970s and 1980s, leading to their gradual phase-out in favor of higher-capacity options. To meet escalating demand, the x-Wagen era began in with the introduction of double-deck push-pull trailers, designed specifically for the Rhine-Ruhr network and hauled by Class 111 or 143 electric locomotives. These innovative two-level coaches, produced by Düwag and MBB, significantly increased capacity to over 500 passengers per four- to five-car unit through multi-level seating and standing areas, enabling efficient operation on congested routes. Over 200 such sets were deployed across the system by the early 1990s, forming the backbone of services until newer EMUs took over. Steam locomotives were fully retired by the mid-1960s as covered core lines, achieving network-wide electric operation by the 1970s.

Current fleet

The current fleet of the Rhine-Ruhr S-Bahn, as of November 2025, comprises approximately 250 electric and diesel multiple units operated across the network's subregions, with a focus on high-capacity, vehicles suited to urban and regional demands. These include double-deck and single-level EMUs from NRW, , and Stadler, alongside specialized DMUs for non-electrified routes, all featuring modern amenities like Wi-Fi, real-time displays, and multi-purpose areas for bicycles and wheelchairs. Ongoing modernizations emphasize and extended configurations to meet growing ridership. The DB Class 422 (ET422) forms a core component, consisting of 84 four-car double-deck EMUs introduced in 2008 and primarily assigned to and lines such as S1–S4, S8, and S9. These units offer 184 seats per car in single formation or up to 368 in double traction, with a green-and-white distinctive to the VRR network, and are equipped with 12 double doors per side for rapid passenger flow. In 2025, redesign efforts on ET422 units include enhanced accessibility features like low-floor modifications and additional wheelchair spaces, with completion targeted for 2026. Complementing this are 80 four-car Class 423 (ET423) EMUs, delivered starting in 2002 and mainly deployed on and Rheinland lines including S6 and equivalents S11–S13. These single-level units provide 192 seats and operate predominantly in double traction, supporting high-frequency services with similar door configurations to the ET422 for efficient boarding. Like their double-deck counterparts, 2025 updates involve ET423 redesigns for improved , including redesigned interiors and extended five-car formations on select units to boost capacity amid rising demand. As part of ongoing modernizations, 123 ET422/423/424 units for S6, S11, and S68 are being redesigned with enhanced , , and information systems, with completion targeted for 2026. Alstom Coradia Stream EMUs number 42 units, introduced in 2014 for lines S5 and S8, where they replace older stock with high-speed capability up to 160 km/h and configurations offering 170 seats in double traction, including toilets and multi-purpose areas. These modular trains enhance connectivity in the central Rhine-Ruhr corridor with advanced passenger information systems. Stadler FLIRT 3 XL EMUs, introduced after 2019 for lines S2, S3, and S9 (including variants like the ET424), with 41 units in service as of November 2025, offering configurations of three or five cars with 180–296 seats per formation. These trains feature , toilets, and 10 doors per side, supporting speeds up to 160 km/h and real-time information displays. Specialized units round out the fleet, including Integral S5D95 DMUs on the non-electrified S28 line, providing 164 seats with basic amenities like toilets and displays, and diesel units on S7, offering 130 seats in a compact two-car layout for regional connectivity. In October 2025, a project was announced to extend seven three-car FLIRT units to five-car formations by 2029, increasing capacity to 296 seats per unit to address peak-hour .

Future acquisitions

In response to growing demand and the need for modernization, the Rhine-Ruhr S-Bahn is pursuing several acquisitions scheduled from 2026 onward, focusing on electric multiple units (EMUs) to enhance capacity, accessibility, and efficiency across key lines. These procurements align with broader efforts in to replace aging Class 423 EMUs, which currently form a significant portion of the fleet on lines such as S11 and S12. Germany's 27 regional transport authorities, including the Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr (VRR), have committed to standardizing designs for regional and services to promote , reduce costs by up to 20%, and streamline through shared technical specifications. This , signed in September 2025, emphasizes modular platforms from manufacturers like and Stadler, enabling bulk purchases and faster deployment while ensuring compatibility across networks. The initiative supports the Rhine-Ruhr region's plans by facilitating coordinated orders that integrate with existing infrastructure. For the S-Bahn Cologne subnetwork, which includes lines S6, S11, S12, and S19, has secured a €4 billion contract to supply up to 90 Adessia Stream EMUs—a variant of the Coradia platform—starting deliveries in 2029. These 9- or 11-car trains, capable of 140 km/h with capacities exceeding 1,150 passengers each, feature , , and accessible areas, replacing older Class 423 units by the early 2030s to boost service frequency and reliability. The contract also includes 34 years of maintenance at new depots in the area. VIAS Rail, awarded a 15-year operating by VRR, will introduce 36 three-car XL EMUs on lines S5 and S8 from December 2029, extending to RE 41 in December 2030. Each 70-meter unit offers 180 seats, extra-wide doors for rapid boarding, and spaces for bicycles and wheelchairs, supporting 3.8 million train-km annually in the green-and-white Rhine-Ruhr . This acquisition, owned by VRR, contributes to the phase-out of Class 423 trains across VRR lines by the mid-2030s, with further Stadler expansions planned in alignment with national bulk procurement standards. Line S23 will see the introduction of Bombardier (now ) ET 442 Talent 2 EMUs starting in late 2028, coinciding with the electrification of the Voreifel route from to . These units, already in use by on other regional services, will transfer to operations to provide consistent four-car formations with improved energy efficiency.

Future plans

Network expansions

The Rhine-Ruhr S-Bahn network is poised for substantial growth beyond 2025, as detailed in the Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr (VRR) Zielnetz 2040 strategy, which emphasizes reactivations, extensions, and new routes to enhance connectivity in the densely populated polycentric region and accommodate rising ridership by linking over 500,000 additional residents to the system. A primary reactivation focus is the S68 line, currently suspended between Wuppertal-Vohwinkel and Langenfeld due to ongoing staffing shortages at , with operations halted indefinitely as of November 2025. Full restoration of service along the 25 km route from Langenfeld via to Wuppertal-Vohwinkel remains planned but without a confirmed timeline. New lines are planned to bolster Ruhr coverage through integration with existing regional infrastructure. Complementing this, the VRR envisions reactivating the Walsumbahn as S3 with a 30-minute takt from via Duisburg-Walsum and to , extending as S3X to , and the Emschertalbahn as S43b from to with a 30-minute takt (15-minute between Wanne-Eickel and Dortmund), adding approximately 50 km of new high-frequency routes by the early 2030s. Extensions of existing lines will further expand the footprint, with S6 potentially lengthening toward Köln via integration with regional services, offering 30-minute frequencies to improve links to the area. The S9 will operate every 30 minutes from to Hattingen, with separate RRX3 services providing 30-minute operations to , spanning about 80 km to connect the northern with . Additionally, the S8 will reach the Dutch border at , facilitating cross-border travel with a 30-minute takt from via and . As of September 2025, Vias Rail has been awarded a 15-year contract to operate lines S5 and S8 starting in 2030, deploying 36 new five-car XL electric multiple units to increase capacity. Additionally, VRR and Stadler agreed in October 2025 to extend seven existing three-car FLIRT trains to five-car configurations between 2027 and 2029, boosting by 64% to 296 seats per train. By 2030 and beyond, integration of Rhine-Ruhr Express (RRX) elements into the framework as planned in Zielnetz 2040 will create unified high-capacity corridors, with RRX lines adopting stopping patterns and frequencies on shared tracks to boost overall network efficiency and ridership in the , with initial phases targeted for the late .

Infrastructure upgrades

The rollout of the (ETCS) Level 2 is a key component of Deutsche Bahn's modernization for the Rhine-Ruhr , aimed at enhancing , increasing line capacity, and enabling higher train frequencies on busy corridors. As part of the national initiative, DB InfraGO plans to equip significant portions of the network, including urban and regional lines like those in the Rhine-Ruhr , with ETCS Level 2 and digital interlockings between 2023 and 2030. This upgrade will replace traditional signaling with radio-based communication, allowing for closer train spacing and reduced headways, particularly on high-density routes. Station modernizations in the Rhine-Ruhr S-Bahn network focus on improving and operational efficiency, with ongoing projects addressing platform heights and barrier-free access to support longer trains and diverse needs. In the long term, platforms are planned to standardize at 76 cm height to facilitate seamless level boarding, enhancing for wheelchairs and prams across the VRR area. Recent works, such as the 2025 renewal of tracks, points, and platforms on the Dortmund-Essen line from February to April, exemplify these efforts to boost capacity and comfort. By 2030, these upgrades are expected to cover multiple stations, aligning with broader DB initiatives for inclusive infrastructure. Electrification efforts emphasize standardization and expansion of the existing 15 kV AC overhead system, which already powers the majority of Rhine-Ruhr operations. The Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr (VRR) targets 90% electric operation for regional (SPNV), including S-Bahn services, by 2030 to reduce reliance on diesel and integrate with Germany's grid. Capacity enhancements, such as the ongoing S6 line closure between and until mid-2026 for slope stabilization and track improvements, will support this transition by ensuring resilient infrastructure along the route. Sustainability measures under VRR's Nachhaltigkeitsagenda prioritize emissions reductions and climate-neutral operations, with goals for full climate neutrality by 2045. This includes optimizing energy use in stations and tracks to align with the 2030 green targets, focusing on electrification and efficient resource management to lower the ecological footprint of S-Bahn services. Recent 2025 capacity boosts through track renewals have laid groundwork for these sustainable upgrades.

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