Hofheim/Frankfurt/Main (dpa/lhe) - The first hydrogen train is rolling through Hesse - next year the fleet is expected to grow to 27 vehicles. According to the Rhein-Main-Verkehrsverbund (RMV), this is the largest fleet of hydrogen trains in passenger transport worldwide. Hesse's Transport Minister Tarek Al-Wazir (Greens) christened the first hydrogen train "Bad Homburg" on Tuesday, the maiden voyage went from Frankfurt to the Taunus town that gave it its name.
The minister spoke of a milestone in the traffic turnaround. The project is "enormously important for more climate protection," said Al-Wazir. "It is the right and important step towards a climate-friendly future." RMV boss Knut Ringat underlined Hessen's pioneering role in the drive turnaround. "The largest hydrogen fleet in the world is now driving through our Taunus." The name "Bad Homburg" shows "that this train belongs in the region". Not only do the new trains not emit any diesel exhaust fumes, they are also more comfortable and quieter.
The vehicle powered by fuel cells will be put into operation after its maiden voyage on December 11th. The new trains will initially be used on the RB15 route (Frankfurt - Bad Homburg - Brandoberndorf). Since not all of the 27 trains ordered were delivered on time, additional trains of a different design are being used temporarily. From spring 2023, the other lines of the Taunus network, RB11, RB12 and RB16, will also be put into operation with the entire fleet.
