DB Regio has selected Alstom to equip 215 Stuttgart S-Bahn trains with ETCS and ATO under a contract worth around €130m.

The project involves retrofitting class 423 and 430 trains that operate on the S-Bahn and conventional network.

This project is viewed as an important step in the full digitalisation of the Stuttgart rail system. This is designed to create a more sustainable operation, shorter headways and more frequent train service.

Initially Alstom will retrofit two class 423 and four class 430 prototype trains with ETCS levels 2 and 3, as well as ATO Grade of Automation Level 2 (GoA 2) by the end of 2023.

The contract includes the delivery of production equipment and the installation on 58 class 423, 430 and 151  trains.

The first retrofitted trains are expected be running on the first lines fitted with ETCS Level 2 by January 2025. By the end of that year ETCS Level 2 operation with ATO GoA 2 is due to begin on the S-Bahn.