MDSB Lots 1&2

Driving seamless travel across Central Germany

Rock Rail Germany's Second Transaction

  • Financing both lots by DB Regio (Lot 1) and Die Landerbahn (Lot 2)
0 new vehicles
  • Fleet comprises of 18 4-car (Lot 1) and 41 3-car (lot 2) Siemens Mireo EMUs

 

  • 150 seats in the 3-car and 200 seats in the 4- car trains

Emissions reduction

Up to 25% less energy consumption compared to similar trains on the market

Twin transaction

The twin transaction is the first of the new German Rolling stock platform established by Rock Rail and Infracapital. 

 

MEAG acted once again as the exclusive arranger for the entire senior debt financing

Railway line

Fleet delivering a step-change in passenger experience and uplift to capacity

This will help support Germany’s growing demand for rail travel and transition away from other, less friendly modes of transport. 

The design has been specified to deliver all operational requirements of the network including features that support safe operation through the Leipzig City Tunnel.

Benefit

Benefits that support ...

More environmentally friendly and quieter than the diesel trains they replace

Reducing noise and pollution, these trains offer a smoother, greener rail experience.

Faster, free Wi-Fi throughout

Stay connected seamlessly throughout your journey.

Plug sockets and USB slots

Power for every passenger with modern charging options.

Brand-new catering offer

Enjoy a refreshed food and drink experience onboard.

High acceleration and low dwell times

Smoother, faster services with reduced stop times.

Up to 25% less energy consumption compared to similar trains on the market

A step forward towards decarbonising German rail with dramatic emissions cuts.

At-seat wireless charging

Charge your devices effortlessly without cables.

Air-conditioning

Travel in comfort with climate-controlled environments.

Advanced real-time passenger information systems

Stay informed with live journey updates and station info.

Significantly more seating capacity

More space for passengers, less overcrowding during peak times.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Who is involved in the MDSB Lots 1&2 projects?

The programme is being delivered in close partnership between Siemens Mobility, ZVNL, DB Regio, Die Länderbahn GmbH DLB, and Rock Rail Germany –  alongside public authorities and regional stakeholders. It’s a true team effort to deliver sustainable, high-quality mobility for the Leipzig region and beyond.

Rock Rail Germany is proud to provide the financing for the MDSB Lots 1 & 2 fleets, backed by long-term institutional investment through our partner, Infracapital. We also oversee the asset management of the trains throughout their lifecycle to ensure consistent quality and performance.

These cutting-edge Mireo fleets, built by Siemens Mobility, feature modern design, spacious interiors, and energy-efficient technology. They’re quieter, cleaner, and more comfortable – setting new standards for regional rail travel.

The new MDSB trains will enter passenger service from December 2026, operating across the Central German S-Bahn network.

By replacing older fleets with modern, energy-efficient trains, these fleets helps reduce carbon emissions and supports Germany’s wider sustainability and decarbonisation goals. It’s a major step forward in building a more environmentally responsible rail network.

Passengers will enjoy faster, more comfortable journeys with improved reliability and accessibility. For the Leipzig region, the new fleet will strengthen public transport, reduce environmental impact, and contribute to long-term regional growth.

Accreditations

Our trusted accreditations

Recognised by leading industry bodies, our accreditations reflect our commitment 
to quality, safety, and sustainability in every project we deliver.

ISO 9001
Cyber Essentials Certified

MDSB Lots 1&2

Driving Net Zero: How Rock Road 
Is Funding the UK’s Bus Transition

Accelerating the shift to clean, affordable, zero-emission transport

Year
2025
Category
Rock Road
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The Challenge

The UK bus network is at the heart of everyday travel – but over 30,000 diesel buses still need replacing to achieve a fully zero-emission fleet.

While around 5,000 battery-electric buses are already on the road, the high upfront cost of electric vehicles and depot electrification continues to slow the transition. Traditional funding routes — such as government grants or short-term bank finance – have helped start the journey but cannot support decarbonisation at the scale required.

A new, sustainable funding model was needed: one that could attract long-term capital, spread costs fairly, and give operators and authorities confidence in the future.

The Solution

In 2021, Rock launched Rock Road to deliver exactly that –  applying its proven infrastructure financing approach from the rail sector to the UK’s clean bus revolution.

Working with Aviva, the National Wealth Fund, and HSBC, Rock created a dedicated investment platform that channels infrastructure-style finance from pension funds and institutional investors directly into zero-emission bus projects.

This model provides:

Impact

The platform has already raised £100 million, with capacity to scale to £1 billion per year over the next decade – providing a consistent source of affordable capital for local authorities and operators.

Rock’s model ensures that the total cost of ownership (TCO) of electric buses can now be lower than diesel equivalents, thanks to both cheaper long-term finance and reduced operating costs.

In London, Rock has financed 120 zero-emission buses under 7-year leases aligned with Transport for London’s contract lengths. This structure gives operators flexibility and certainty:

The Future

Rock Road’s ambition is to support the rollout of zero-emission fleets across the UK – helping local authorities and operators meet climate goals without overextending public budgets.

By leveraging limited government funding to attract large-scale private capital – for example, £10 million of public investment unlocking over £250 million in total funding – Rock’s model accelerates decarbonisation while keeping costs low for the public sector.

Our ambition is to make electric buses the default choice - not because of subsidy, but because they are the best economic and environmental option.
Louis Swindell
Commercial Director, Rock Road