Eisenbahnen & Verkehrsbetriebe Elbe-Weser (EVB) has secured the contract to operate regional passenger rail service RB33 between Cuxhaven, Bremerhaven and Buxtehude from December 2027 to December 2037. The service currently handles approximately 2 million passengers annually. The contract also includes an option to operate a planned RB34 service connecting Bremervörde and Stade, contingent on the line reopening.
EVB ownership and competition context
EVB is more than 80% owned by the state of Niedersachsen and owns most of the infrastructure on the RB33 route. The RB33 contract is part of the Weser-Elbe & Unterelbe 2027+ tendering process, coordinating transport contracts in Niedersachsen, Bremen, and Hamburg. The
contract renewal followed a European tender process competing with Metronom, awarded RE5 Cuxhaven – Hamburg, and Erixx, awarded RB39 Soltau – Lüneburg. EVB positions itself as a regional alternative to Deutsche Bahn and large international rail corporations.
Hydrogen train fleet introduction and current challenges
The RB33 service has used a fleet of 14 Alstom Coradia iLint hydrogen trains since August 2022, owned by the Niedersachsen transport authority LNVG. Initial technical problems with the hydrogen trains have largely been resolved. However, only about half of these trainsets are currently available due to spare parts shortages and reliability improvements required by the manufacturer.
Causes of limited hydrogen train availability and mitigation efforts
Limited hydrogen train availability is caused
by a lack of spare parts and ongoing manufacturer work to improve fuel cell reliability. LNVG has supplied diesel multiple units to partially compensate for capacity shortfalls, but these are insufficient to resolve bottlenecks, especially during peak hours. To avoid cancellations, EVB operates some services with a single unit instead of paired trainsets.
Official statements on contract renewal significance
Grant Hendrik Tonne, Niedersachsen Minister for Economic Affairs, Transport & Construction, said: “By re-awarding the contract to EVB, we are ensuring reliability for passengers until 2037 and simultaneously securing the continued operation of hydrogen-powered trains. EVB knows the route, the region, and the needs of the local
people. I congratulate the company on winning the contract and wish its employees continued safe and successful service.” EVB spokesperson Christoph Grimm stated: “The contract win not only underscores EVB’s competitiveness but also our growth targets. This ensures we remain an alternative to DB and large international corporations in Niedersachsen’s local passenger train sector. Furthermore, we are securing over 100 jobs. RB33 is a matter close to our hearts, not only for economic reasons, but also as EVB’s home line. It is part of the network for whose retention our company was founded in 1981.”
Passenger impact from hydrogen train capacity constraints
EVB warned on 6 October
2026 that limited hydrogen train availability would lead to high occupancy on some RB33 services in the coming months. Capacity bottlenecks are expected, particularly during peak hours. Some services will run as single units instead of paired sets, potentially reducing capacity per service and increasing crowding.
