Germany’s North Rhine-Westphalia public transport bodies have named National Express as the preferred bidder for two of the three operating contracts for the region’s future Rhine-Ruhr Express (RRX) network.
National Express said the contracts, which commence in 2018 and 2020 through to 2033, will generate around €1 billion.
The RRX network consists of six new lines connecting the cities of Cologne, Dusseldorf and Dortmund.
Dean Finch, National Express Group Chief Executive, said: “National Express is delighted with this further success in German rail. It strengthens our presence in the North Rhine-Westphalia region, where we begin operating our first contracts later this year.”
As well as the infrastructure works, Siemens has signed a contract worth €1.7 billion for 82 double-deck Desiro units for the RRX network.
Delivery of the new trains will start from 2018.
