SIEMENS Mobility has launched a new train leasing company, Smart Train Lease, offering single multiple-units or small multiple-unit fleets on a short-term rental basis to supplement existing fleets.
The package offered by Smart Train Lease, similar to consumer car hire, allows any operator to specify the type of train required and the hire period. The company has access to a pool of Mireo Smart trains comprising conventional EMUs as well as as hydrogen and battery variants.
Smart Train Lease says its leasing model, based on an existing pool of trains, provides operators with a cost-effective way of quickly and flexibly expanding train fleets. The service will initially be available only in Germany. However, the company says it is looking to make it available across Europe “in the medium term”.
“We want to make renting trains as easy and simple as renting a car, and thus help accelerate the mobility transition,” says Mr Benjamin Dobernecker, CEO of Smart Train Lease.
“This service will further enhance the attractiveness of rail transport for passengers and enable our customers to react quickly to fluctuating demand.”
While spot hire of locomotives has been available for some time, this is believed to be the first time that multiple-units have been offered for short-notice hire and Smart Train Lease believes it will create a new market for this type of leasing.
Mireo Smart trains have a top speed of 160km/h and are fitted with ETCS and PZB cab signalling. Standard three-car trains have capacity for 214 passengers and feature bicycle and wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets. They are equipped with air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, in-car CCTV and passenger information systems.
Smart Train Lease says it offers a standard contract with various service options to best fit operator requirements.
Siemens has not yet said how many trains will be made available for Smart Train Lease and has not provided indicative leasing costs.
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