Siemens Transportation has newly established a smart train rental company, launching a flexible leas

Recently, Siemens Mobility established a Smart Train Lease GmbH subsidiary, allowing customers to flexibly equip their fleets with advanced batteries, hydrogen power, and electric multiple units through leasing.

The Mireo Smart smart trains produced by Siemens Mobility have a short delivery time, comply with operating licenses, and meet all standards of modern urban passenger transportation. Pre configured trains and additional maintenance services provide an economical alternative for rapidly and flexibly expanding the fleet. In addition, it also enables customers to easily test innovative and sustainable railway technologies. The subsidiary plans to first provide a train rental model in Germany and promote its business model throughout Europe in the medium term.

Siemens Transportation has newly established a smart train rental company, launching a flexible leasing model for urban trains (Figure 1)

The technological transformation from diesel to alternative power sources such as batteries and hydrogen power is significantly driving market changes, bringing a series of opportunities and challenges. The trend of transitioning from private transportation to public transportation is partly due to the emergence of a 49 euro regional train ticket in Germany and the simplification of railway travel, which has also led to a surge in demand for trains. In addition, some private railway companies are now providing urban passenger services and are seeking new, more flexible, and competitive installment payment services to meet the demand for new trains without the need for long-term investment commitments. Smart train rental companies are providing such fast and high-quality solutions.

In the railway industry, in the past, only long-term leasing contracts could be signed, usually requiring a lease term of more than twelve years, and also requiring guarantees for subsequent use or residual value. So far, there is still no short-term rental service for urban EMUs or small fleets. Especially, operators are unable to lease advanced urban trains with alternative power systems. Smart train rental companies emerged from this application and opened up a new market.

Which trains provide rental services?

The Mireo Smart smart train can be put into service immediately after approval. The train has low lifecycle cost, low energy consumption, advanced technology, and optimized equipment. Its maximum speed can reach 160 kilometers per hour and it can provide three types: electric, battery, or hydrogen powered multiple unit trains. All trains are equipped with future oriented ETCS European train control system and point type PZB train control system. The Mireo Smart smart train provides passengers with high comfort and great convenience, with 214 seats inside, space to accommodate 21 bicycles and 2 wheelchairs, and a universal bathroom. The train is also equipped with modern air conditioning, WiFi service, passenger information system, safety monitoring system, and a large color LCD screen at the entrance.

How does the leasing model work?

Smart Train Rental Company aims to make train rental as simple as possible, just like car rental. The standard contract provided by the company includes multiple service options to match the operator's railway infrastructure and workshop experience. By providing centralized fleet maintenance management, even small fleets with shorter lease terms can be smoothly integrated into operating fleets without changing the existing maintenance organization. Standard maintenance work can be carried out by existing employees at any time without the need for extensive training. Smart train rental companies provide direct on-site support for all activities. The entire vehicle, including its maintenance, belongs to a complete package of lease contracts.