The S-Bahn is growing

The S-Bahn network, capacities and accessibility have been consistently expanded in recent years under the direction of the Verband Region Stuttgart. Here is a look at the next (possible) steps:

S-Bahn extension from Filderstadt to Neuhausen

The S-Bahn line S3 will be extended from Filderstadt to Neuhausen. The project is a partnership between the region, the district of Esslingen, Filderstadt, the municipality of Neuhausen and the SSB. According to the current state of planning, commissioning is scheduled for the end of 2027. The route is being planned in such a way that a quarter-hourly service will also be possible at a later date.

Accessibility

Since June 2021, all S-Bahn Stuttgart platforms have been accessible for passengers without steps. However, this is only the first step on the road to accessibility. The region has also set itself the goal of enabling step-free boarding and alighting between the platform edge and the S-Bahn vehicle at all S-Bahn stations. To this end, DB Station&Service will raise the platforms at 30 of a total of 83 stations that have not yet been raised to 96 cm above the top of rail (SO) in the coming years. In addition to adjusting the platform height to the boarding height of the S-Bahn vehicles, the following sub-areas will also be checked and improved as required when the platform is raised to ensure extensive accessibility: passenger information systems, loudspeaker system or acoustic module, tactile guidance system on the platform, tactile route to the platform, step markings, tactile handrail signs on stairs and ramps, guidance and signage, creation of step-free access to the platform and weather protection equipment.

Further development opportunities

Planning is never static: the region's S-Bahn network is being continuously expanded and extended. With the adoption of the Public Transport Pact 2025, the increased frequency of the S-Bahn to a continuous 15-minute interval during the day and the further development of the S21 timetable, the framework conditions have changed since the last considerations regarding further possible S-Bahn line extensions. Against this background, the transport committee of the Stuttgart Region Association has decided to re-examine whether and how S-Bahn lines can be extended beyond the existing end points to supplement the Metropole Express services (MEX). A one-year feasibility study was launched at the start of 2023.

The study is subject to the question of whether and how the S-Bahn lines can be economically extended beyond the existing S-Bahn terminus points to supplement the Metropolexpress services. To this end, the benefits of the extension measures, such as the passenger potential, must be compared with the construction and operational costs.

The study should be based on the state's existing MEX concept without changing it. In concrete terms, this means that the S-Bahn could supplement these journeys and thus increase the frequency of rail services to almost every 15 minutes. This would also support the goal of the state of Baden-Württemberg, according to which the 2030 target concept for local rail passenger transport aims for a 15-minute interval in the conurbation.

Specifically, the following expansion options are considered in more detail:

S1

The S1 could be extended to Bondorf in one direction and to Geislingen (Steige) in the other. Innovative solutions are required here, as the S1 is already planned to alternate between Kirchheim (Teck) and Nürtingen and there are currently no trains available to continue to Geislingen (Steige).

S2

An extension of the S2 in the direction of Plüderhausen is being examined.

S3 and S4

It should be examined for each line individually whether and how it can be extended to Murrhardt and which line should be given priority. While an extension of the S3 would involve the parallel consolidation of MEX services, an S4 extension could be convincing thanks to a newly created direct connection between Murrhardt and Ludwigsburg. In addition, an alternating operation should be examined in which the lines are alternately extended beyond Backnang towards Murrhardt.

S5

There are two options for the S5. The line could be extended in the direction of Vaihingen/Enz and to Kirchheim (Neckar). It would also be conceivable to split the line along the lines of the S1.

Measures in the background

Not only longer lines and new stations ensure a more attractive service, but also measures that are not immediately apparent to passengers. As part of the quality offensive for the Stuttgart rail hub (QSS), many other investments are currently underway. For a better S-Bahn, investments must be made in the hardware. The overall concept for this is in place. It is divided into many sub-measures. A few examples:

More points provide more flexibility. Thanks to the installation, the tracks in the S-Bahn tunnel between Schwabstraße and the university can be used more flexibly in future, especially in the event of disruptions.
More platforms for more S-Bahn. The platforms in Wendlingen, Nürtingen and Oberboihingen are being adapted so that the S-Bahn can continue from Plochingen to Nürtingen.
More trains require more sidings: To this end, a total of 49 additional stabling facilities are to be prepared for the vehicles in Kornwestheim, Stuttgart-Vaihingen, Schorndorf, Bietigheim-Bissingen, Nürtingen and Esslingen.

Further topics

S-Bahn review

Since the Verband Region Stuttgart took over responsibility for the S-Bahn in 1996, it has continuously improved the service.