RHINE-Main Transport Authority (RMV) and North Hessen Transport Association (NVV) have awarded incumbent operator DB Regio a contract to continue to operate the RE50 (Frankfurt - Fulda - Bebra) and RB51 (Frankfurt - Wächtersbach) services following the December 2025 timetable change.
Changes to long-distance services which use the same lines as regional trains will allow shorter journey times for the RE50 and RE51, including an eight-minute reduction in the RE50 journey time between Frankfurt and Fulda.
RE50 will operate beyond Fulda to Bebra every two hours, increasing to hourly during peak periods. The hourly RE50 and RE51 services depart Frankfurt Main station 15 minutes apart, leaving a 45-minute gap until the next service. These departure times will be adjusted to provide a half-hourly service between Frankfurt and Wächtersbach. The peak period will also be extended to operate from 13.30 to 20.00.
Services will be provided with 29 new Alstom Coradia Stream HC vehicles with up to 1080 seats available during peak periods. The boarding height of 60cm will allow barrier-free boarding at most stations, and between 30 and 60 spaces will be provided for bicycles. The trains will also offer Wi-Fi and power sockets, with large tables in first class.
