THE Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania transport authority has launched a tender to operate regional services on part of the Warnow network. The two-year contract will run during the transition from DMUs to battery multiple-units.

The tender, published in the Official Journal of the European Union, includes RB 11 Wismar - Rostock - Tessin services, and RB 12 Graal Müritz - Rostock - Bad Doberan. It also includes the option for services between Rostock and Ribniz Damgarten if required.

The contract will have an annual volume of between 1.4 and 1.5 million train-km, and will run for 24 months from December 15 2024, when the existing contract with DB Regio expires.

The transport authority has also launched a tender for services on the Warnow II network, which will comprise both electric and hybrid services.

The contract will also come into effect from December 15 2024, and will be extended to cover additional routes in 2026 before expiring in 2039.

From December 2024, the contract includes services on the following electrified lines, with an annual volume of 1.9 million train-km:

  • S1: Rostock - Warnemünde
  • S2: Warnemünde - Schwaan - Güstrow
  • S3: Warnemünde - Laage - Güstrow, and
  • occasional services between Rostock and Ribnitz Damgarten.

From December 2026, the contract will take over the hybrid RB 11 and RB 12 routes, with an annual volume of 1.5 million train-km.

The hybrid services will require new rolling stock, while the electrified services can be provided with new or second-hand rolling stock. The train doors must be between 550mm and 600mm above the top of the rail. The public transport authority is willing to guarantee the use of the rolling stock on the lines. The bids will be judged 90% on price, and 10% on quality.