A years-long legal battle concerning the awarding of contracts for parts of the Berlin S-Bahn network has finally ended. Rail vehicle manufacturer Alstom confirmed on Friday to rbb|24 that it would not undertake any further legal steps, thereby concluding the dispute.
Alstom’s Decision Clears Path for New S-Bahn Trains
Alstom had decided not to appeal to the next instance in the procurement process, a company spokesperson stated. “Please understand that we will not provide any further comments on the matter,” Alstom told the German Press Agency.
The tenders, valued at approximately 15 billion euros, for the procurement of new trains and the operation of the Stadtbahn and North-South connections, were awarded last August to a consortium comprising Deutsche Bahn, along with train manufacturers Siemens and Stadler. Alstom, as the unsuccessful bidder, had subsequently filed a complaint with the public procurement chamber but was recently unsuccessful there as well.
According to the Senate Department for Transport, the deadline for any further steps by Alstom would have expired at midnight on June 26, 2026.
A Success for Berlin and Its Passengers
“This is a great success for Berlin and its passengers,” announced Transport Senator Ute Bonde (CDU). “We can now finally take the next step: modern, reliable S-Bahn trains for the Berlin and Brandenburg metropolitan region.” The procurement process for new S-Bahn vehicles can now be initiated immediately.
“These are all good tidings not only for our companies but for all people in Berlin and Brandenburg,” said Heiko Büttner, head of the Berlin S-Bahn.
Years of Litigation Preceded the Resolution
In the process, which has been ongoing for several years, Alstom had already challenged the tender conditions before the Kammergericht in 2024. Although the corporation was unsuccessful, the court had expressed doubts about the legality of the procedure on several points.
The procurement process involves the acquisition, maintenance, and operation of up to 2,248 S-Bahn cars on the Stadtbahn and North-South connections.
The Railway and Transport Union (EVG) welcomed Alstom’s announcement on Friday. Berlin’s deputy EVG head, Robert Seifert, declared it a good day for the S-Bahn, a good day for the employees, and a good day for public transport.
Source: rbb24.de
