Alstom has commissioned Knorr-Bremse to equip the new Adessia Stream generation of suburban trains destined for public transport operators Rhine-Ruhr and go.Rheinland. Knorr-Bremse will supply braking and air conditioning systems for up to 90 trains with lengths of 150 and 170 meters, as well as automatic front couplings, which have been ordered by Alstom for the first time. Trial operations of the trains are scheduled to begin in summer 2029 and will strengthen the expansion of attractive rail transport in the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region. The volume of the order, which Knorr-Bremse received at the end of 2025, is in the high double-digit million-euro range.
Dr. Nicolas Lange, Member of the Executive Board of Knorr-Bremse AG and globally responsible for the Rail Division: “Attractive rail transport is key to the mobility of tomorrow, as current public investment initiatives underscore. We have long been shaping this future with system technology that sets standards. The fact that our partner Alstom is once again relying on our braking expertise and integrating our coupling systems for the first time confirms our technology and growth strategy. The suburban trains for the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region meet the highest demands on quality, performance, and comfort – areas in which our efficient, reliable systems play to their strengths.”
Safety, quality, and reliability as the key to modern mobility
The Rhine-Ruhr Transport Association (VRR) and go.Rheinland are relying on particularly reliable vehicles for their suburban rail network – requirements that Alstom has taken into account in its design and that Knorr-Bremse supports with innovative system technology. With the automatic ‘AutoLink’ front couplings and ‘RescueLink’ adapter couplings, Knorr-Bremse is supplying coupling technology to Alstom for the first time. Manufactured at the technology site in Budapest, the systems enable fast and secure connections and support high operational efficiency, ease of maintenance, and fleet availability – crucial factors in light of rising passenger numbers.
At the same time, powerful, quiet, and maintenance-optimized braking systems with the world’s most widely installed braking control system, ‘CubeControl’, ensure safe and stable operation. The latest version of the ‘AirSupply Smart’ air treatment system provides compressed air as needed and reduces noise emissions, while compact brake caliper units, magnetic track brakes, and sanding systems further increase precision and performance.
Meanwhile, integrated air conditioning systems for passenger compartments and driver’s cabs increase passenger comfort by providing pleasantly tempered air. Using the natural refrigerant propane, they are highly environmentally friendly, while offering enhanced energy efficiency and optimized life cycle costs thanks to heat pump technology and long-life filters.
Tailor-made vehicle concept for the Rhineland and Ruhr region
With the new Adessia StreamTM suburban train generation, Alstom is taking regional transport in the region to a new level. The plan is to introduce 90 tailor-made nine- and eleven-car trains, each with over 1,100 seats. They are specifically designed for high passenger volumes and a mix of urban and regional connections. Flexible interiors, barrier-free areas, and modern information systems increase comfort and capacity – and, together with Knorr-Bremse’s system technology, form a powerful, future-oriented vehicle concept.
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