Subway system undergoes major transformation, as revealed by RMV, in past two decades

Effective from December 15, the Rhine-Main Transport Association (RMV) unveils its comprehensive timetable overhaul for 2025, ushering in sweeping modifications.

, and Administrator

2025 September 14 . 12:43 AM

2 min read

Modifies Subway System with Largest Update in Two Decades

Subway system undergoes major transformation, as revealed by RMV, in past two decades

The S-Bahn network in Frankfurt is undergoing significant changes, aimed at improving comfort and convenience for commuters. Here's a rundown of the key developments:

The S4 line will be reinforced by long trains during peak times, increasing the seat offer by up to 50 percent. This enhancement is expected to provide a more comfortable journey for passengers during busy hours.
The Regionalverkehr Mittelhessen (RMV) has stated that the number of journeys in the network remains almost unchanged due to a lack of additional funds. This means that while the S-Bahn network is expanding, the overall number of trains running remains consistent.
The S-Bahn network is being complemented by new bus connections. For instance, line 260 will operate between Oberursel, Bad Soden, and Kelkheim, while line 365 will serve the route between Bad Vilbel and Bad Homburg. These new bus connections aim to provide additional transport options for commuters.
The new Ginnheim station will be connected to the U1 and U9 underground lines. This connection offers easy transfer and shorter paths for passengers, making travel within the city more efficient.
The S3 and S4 lines will end at Frankfurt Süd station in the future. The exact details of this change are yet to be confirmed.
The Regionaltangente West, a major infrastructure project, is expected to be completed by 2028. Construction is currently focused on complex sections like the tunnel under Frankfurt-Höchst station, which will take about four years from the start of building works in 2025. Once completed, this project will enable further train orders on the new routes.
The RMV demands additional funds to order trains on the new tracks once routes like the Wallauer Spange or the Regional Tangent West are completed. This is a crucial step to ensure the smooth operation of the expanded S-Bahn network.
A new line, RB37, between Frankfurt and Gießen ensures hourly connection of Großen-Linden and Langgöns to Frankfurt. This addition to the network provides more frequent service for these towns.
The S6 line, between Bad Vilbel and Frankfurt, now operates at a uniform 15-minute interval due to the completion of two new tracks. This improvement aims to provide more frequent service for passengers on this route.
Travel times for the S3, S4, and S5 lines will shift by five to ten minutes due to the changes. Passengers are advised to check the new timetables for their specific journeys.
Regional trains such as the Niddertalbahn (RB34) and the Taunusbahn (RB15) will adjust their schedules accordingly. This adjustment ensures that the overall network remains coordinated and runs smoothly.
The changes in the S-Bahn network can be found on the RMV website at rmv.de/s-bahn, along with the new timetables. Passengers are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the changes to plan their journeys effectively.
In the future, the S6 line will take over the journeys of the S3 and S4 between Frankfurt Süd, Langen, and Darmstadt. This change is expected to provide a more consistent service on these routes.
The new timetables will be available in the connection information in the near future. Passengers are advised to check regularly for updates.

These changes aim to improve the efficiency and capacity of the S-Bahn network in Frankfurt, making travel easier and more convenient for commuters.