KfW IPEX-Bank: Financing for the Rhine-Ruhr S-Bahn

KfW IPEX-Bank is providing close to EUR 300 million for the Rhine-Ruhr suburban railway in the form of a bilateral loan agreement.

The borrower is the Rhine-Ruhr Public Transport Association (VRR, Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr), a special purpose association, which, as the commissioning authority, is financing 36 modern electric multiple units (EMUs) of the FLIRT XL type from Stadler Deutschland GmbH for Rhine-Ruhr S-Bahn (subnetwork D). VIAS Rail GmbH will operate the network from the end of 2029.

"We're delighted once again to be supporting our long-standing customer VRR and the European manufacturer Stadler," said Aida Welker, Member of the Management Board of KfW IPEX-Bank. "Through our financing, we are helping to provide attractive travel options for passengers in the VRR catchment area and supporting the shift from road to rail, thereby advancing the mobility transition in cities and municipalities."

Oliver Wittke, Spokesperson of the Board of VRR: "High-quality rail vehicles are one of the most important quality criteria for our customers in local rail passenger transport. We're pleased that the modernisation of local transport is being supported with attractive financing solutions and terms, thereby promoting climate-friendly mobility for the benefit of our passengers."

The Rhine-Ruhr Public Transport Association (VRR) is one of the largest transport authorities in Europe, providing public transport services for 7.8 million residents in its service area.