ENORM

Connecting Communities with Comfort and Clarity

Rock Rail Germany acquires new Siemens Mireo fleet for the ENORM network

35 new Siemens Mireo electric multiple units (EMUs) for the Elektronetz Nord-Magdeburg network

0 new vehicles

The fleet – comprising 16 three-car and 19 four-car units

Design

Strong focus on accessibility, comfort and operational flexibility

Trevor Sturmy, Head of European Operations, Rock Rail

“By expanding our presence we are proud to deliver trains that not only enhance passenger comfort and accessibility but also contribute to the long-term decarbonisation of Europe’s transport system.”

ENORM Train Route
Railway line

About the ENORM route

The network is a key regional rail corridor linking Magdeburg, Halle, Lower Saxony and Brandenburg, serving both commuter flows and longer regional journeys. Stretching across Saxony-Anhalt and into neighboring federal states, the network connects major urban centres with smaller communities. The introduction of the new Siemens Mireo fleet will modernise services along this route, offering faster, more reliable and more energy-efficient journeys across the region.

Benefit

Benefits that move Germany forward

Reduced Carbon Emissions

Modern lightweight construction and efficient traction systems help cut CO₂ output across the network

Full Accessibility Compliance

Step-free access, PRM-compliant lavatories and non-slip flooring ensure an inclusive journey for all passengers

Operational Flexibility

The fleet is compatible with varying platform heights and designed to meet the needs of both commuter and regional services

Boost to Regional Connectivity

State-of-the-art rolling stock supports higher demand and strengthens links between major cities and communities.

Future-proof technology

Digital passenger systems and modular design enable ongoing upgrades throughout the fleet’s lifecycle

Lower energy conusmption

The Mireo platform delivers significantly imrpoved energy efficiency compared to legacy rolling stock

Improved safety features

Contrasting edges, LED-lit boarding areas and intuitive design elements enhance visibility and reduce risk

Lower lifetime costs

Energy efficiency and modern engineering reduce long-term operational and maintenance expenses

Advanced real-time passenger information systems

Stay informed with live journey updates and station info.

Enhanced passenger comfort

Improved seating layouts, smoother ride quality and advanced passenger information systems create a better travel experience

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is the ENORM network?

ENORM stands for Elektronetz Nord-Magdeburg, a regional rail network connecting Magdeburg, Halle, Lower Saxony and Brandenburg. It is a vital corridor for commuters and regional travellers.

The Mireo platform is Siemens’ leading commuter EMU – offering high energy efficiency, accessibility features, advanced digital systems and strong operational performance across Europe

The trains will be leased by Rock Rail and operated by Deutsche Bahn.

The Mireo units consume significantly less energy than legacy trains, helping reduce regional rail emissions and supporting Germany’s wider decarbonisation goals

No. This marks Rock Rail’s sixth German rolling stock investment since 2022, and the fourth under the Marble platform with Infracapital

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ENORM

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:
  • Access to billions in long-term private capital for fleets and depot electrification.
  • Low-cost, sustainable finance tailored to public-sector needs.
  • Comprehensive risk transfer, including residual value and battery performance, supported by Rock’s in-house team of engineers and asset managers.

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:

  • Buses can be returned, renewed, or upgraded at the end of term.
  • Lease rates are predictable and capped.
  • Ownership and residual risks sit with Rock, not the operator.

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