Deutsche Bahn (DB) subsidiary DB Regio Mitte has begun implementing Passenger Wi-Fi alongside a range of other onboard innovations on its new Main-Neckar-Ried (MNR) Express trains. On 24 new double-decker TWINDEXX Vario train sets between Frankfurt and the metropolitan area of Rhein-Neckar, including Mannheim, Darmstadt, Heidelberg and Wiesloch-Walldorf, free Wi-Fi is part of the new service contract on behalf of Rhein-Main Verkehrsverbund (RMV), Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Neckar (VRN) and the state of Baden-Württemberg.
The full rollout is expected to be completed by summer 2018 and will include new features to keep passengers comfortable, connected and safe while they travel. Icomera (a subsidiary of the ENGIE group) is providing the state-of-the-art Passenger Wi-Fi solution, deployed via its award-winning X6i router, allowing those onboard to stay connected.
Forming part of Deutsche Bahn’s country-wide Passenger Wi-Fi partnership with Icomera, the MNR roll-out will contribute to Germany’s most powerful onboard connectivity solution in the rail commuter segment. Since 2016, more than 260 high-speed Deutsche Bahn ICE trains have been equipped with Icomera Passenger Wi-Fi, with new trains being added each month. Icomera was selected as a preferred partner by Deutsche Bahn based on their deep-rooted industry experience, their trusted and reliable solution, and the Icomera platform’s capacity to provide the framework from which a whole host of other connected onboard services, besides Passenger Wi-Fi, can be deployed.
In addition to Passenger Wi-Fi, the new DB Regio carriages are fitted with electrical outlets for passengers to charge their devices on the go, passenger information screens to keep commuters updated on travel progress, and CCTV cameras in the carriages to provide enhanced onboard security.
Frank Klingenhöfer, Chairman of DB Regio Mitte Regional Management, said: “We are thrilled to provide free Wi-Fi in our first network of regional trains. This is what today’s passengers are asking for and we are keen to negotiate with our federal customers of other awarded regional train contracts to invest in this service on top. We believe that by extending the roll-out of Wi-Fi services, we can increase passenger satisfaction and attract new customers all over.”
Thomas Roberts, Icomera’s Senior VP for EMEA, said: “It’s a pleasure to be contributing to the DB Regio Main-Neckar-Ried project as part of our ongoing partnership with Deutsche Bahn in Germany. The Icomera Passenger Wi-Fi solution supports the idea of The Connected Journey, turning travel time into productive time for passengers.”
About Icomera
Icomera, a wholly owned subsidiary of ENGIE Ineo, is the world’s leading provider of open Internet connectivity and application platforms for passenger transport and public safety. Its award-winning products are deployed on rail, road and sea, serving millions of Wi-Fi users every week across the globe and providing high-speed access for fleet tracking and mission-critical onboard systems. Icomera is headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, with subsidiaries in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and France. www.icomera.com
About ENGIE Ineo
As a creator of solutions for connected urban areas and neighbourhoods (electrical solutions, communications and information systems), ENGIE Ineo has more than 15,000 employees working to meet the needs of a changing world. In 2017, it reported revenues of €2.3 billion.
With a network of 300 facilities in France and abroad, ENGIE Ineo’s teams innovate to support their customers in the energy and digital transition. They support them in transport, telecommunications and energy infrastructures projects, service sector and industrial projects, as well as security and defence projects. From design through to production, maintenance and operation, ENGIE Ineo’s experts imagine and anticipate tomorrow’s needs by developing solutions combining technical and cost-effective performance. ENGIE Ineo is part of the ENGIE Group, one of the leading energy companies worldwide.
About DB Regio
DB Regio AG is a subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn which operates short and medium distance commuter train and bus services in Germany. Whether in metropolitan areas, large cities or the countryside, DB Regio connects people according to their needs and works closely with the responsible regional authorities. www.dbregio.de
