Bombardier Transportation will supply another 22 Bombardier Talent 2 trains to Deutsche Bahn (DB) AG valued at just under 100 million euros (140 million US dollars). The total number of Talent 2 trains ordered by DB now comes to 98. The new trains will be deployed on the E-Netz (electrical network) of the German region, Franconia from 2011 onwards. The network covers the tracks between Nuremberg, Bamberg and Wurzburg as well as the towns of Sonneberg, Saalfeld and Jena in South Thuringia. The DB Regio subsidiary, Regional- und Stadtverkehr Bayern GmbH (RSB), is due to commence the network's operations at the end of 2011. RSB will use the TALENT 2 trains both as regional express and regional trains. The fleet is comprised of five three-car, nine four-car and eight five-car trains.

The E-Netz of Franconia poses special challenges, as platform heights vary from station to station. The trainset will have two different entry heights each provided with sliding steps, allowing the platform gap to be bridged.

"The Talent 2 train is based on an innovative vehicle concept thanks to its modular design, allowing highly flexible train configurations. That's a real plus when it comes to the network's unique features. We're pleased that passengers can now experience the comfort and modern design of the Talent 2 train in Thuringia as well. In fact, the train will soon be in service in seven of Germany's federal states", said Stephan Krenz, managing director and president of Bombardier Transportation's Germany and Scandinavia business unit.

Back in February 2007, Deutsche Bahn AG and Bombardier Transportation signed a framework agreement for the supply of up to 321 vehicles. To date four call-offs have been executed including 76 electrical multiple units which are intended for service on the Nuremberg suburban rail network, the Moselbahn between Koblenz and Trier/Perl, the Cottbus-Leipzig route as well as the Rhein-Sieg Express operating between Aachen and Siegen, all in Germany.

Major features of the recently developed Talent 2 electrical multiple unit platform (the 442 series) are its modular concept with a high degree of standardisation. This provides an almost unlimited level of flexibility in terms of configuration, along with cost-effectiveness and cost transparency. The innovative, modular construction principle allows for countless variants of the same train type. The two- to six-car trains can be provided with a wide variety of technical modules, depending on whether they are to be used as commuter or regional express trains.

The Talent 2 trains' modern interior and exterior design, combined with the ability to move about freely, create greater transparency and help passengers enjoy a sense of security. A scalable traction output provided by the highly reliable Bombardier Mitrac propulsion and control system makes the train particularly energy-efficient. The vehicle can be specifically adapted to meet the frequent acceleration and braking needs in the commuter sector. In terms of speed requirements of the regional rail network, a top speed of 160 km/h can be achieved. The Talent 2 train also leads in terms of safety, and already complies with the European standards for collision safety.

Passengers with impaired mobility, sight or hearing, benefit from tactile lettering on all controls along with audio and visual passenger information apparent throughout the train. All entrances have sliding steps for bridging the platform gap; making entering and exiting easier for passengers at stations with a lower platform height, despite the normal 800 mm entrances. In all train configurations, a special entry is available for wheelchair users that has a height of 598 mm and leads into the spacious multipurpose area. The toilets onboard are also designed to accommodate people with special needs.