Explore Strasbourg and the Alsace Region with New Efficient Bi-Mode Trains in Grand Est

Published on November 24, 2025

The Grand Est region of France is replacing existing RRR push-pull sets with newly ordered bi-mode trains and will be replacing the trains used on the Serm route between Saverne, Strasbourg, and Sélestat. The Grand Est region of France ordered 16 bi-mode Régiolis six-car trains from CAF for €235 million. The Grand Est region of France will be able to accomplish increased efficiency, walkability, and comfort for the users of the service with the use of the new bi-mode trains.

The Grand Est area is famous for its history, vibrant culture, and is home to several scenic vineyards. These trains will also improve the ability of users of the service to walk to and from regional attractions. The region’s attractions include the historic city of Strasbourg and the city of Sélestat.

The Régiolis bi-mode trains are built for both electrified and non-electrified tracks, creating versatility and energy saving. The new trains will be 100 meters long, and will carry 355 passengers, a significant increase from 265 on the old RRR. An increase in the volume to be moved and the accommodating comfort will enhance the travel options for an increased number of visitors to the Grand Est Region.

The trains will are responding to the Regional Metropolitan Express Service (Serm). It links Saverne, a town in the Vosges mountains, to Strasbourg, the region capital and UNESCO world heritage site, famous for its Gothic Cathedral and timber houses. The Serm extension to Sélestat, the Alsace wine route gateway town, and Sélestat’s historical town. The new trains will upgrade this route.

The Implementation of the New Trains and the Services They Provide

The newly introduced, bi-mode trains represent a significant improvement in values of the aim listed above and the overall external and internal travel experiences of Strasbourg and Grand Est. Old Town Strasbourg does not only offer a 100% French Christmas Market, the most popular in the country, and Christmas Arenas, Strasbourg is the most historically and politically significant and central town within the European Union and a major city within the Grand Est region of Strasbourg. It is a major tourism and political hub of the Grand Est region, and hosts events. The newly introduced, bi-mode trains will bring comforts and conveniences that really should be provided in the modern world of travel such as travelling the region more frequently and in a more comfortable travel opportunity.

The improvement of travel services will give more opportunities to travel within the Alsace Wine Route, in the world-class wine-producing the wine country within the region of Alsace. Improved travel services allow the region to promote and facilitate more opportunities to explore the region in its(mainly popular Collmar and Riquewihr towns, historical sites, and its vineyards. Improving travel services allow developed regions to promote tourists to the country and travel economically.

Increasing the number of seats to 355 trains further contributes to the encouraging growth of the country’s tourism economically, as trains to and from new and improved tourist sites will be filled. This improved travel opportunity as well as the new most popular in the country, Christmas Market in Strasbourg, will allow peak travel times to fill. This new opportunity is of great value, as filled trains during popular travel times show that tourists travel a lot.

Focus on Sustainability and Efficiency

The expansion of Régiolis accommodations will certainly contribute to improving the building comfort of the new Régiolis bi-mode trains as well as the sustainability of regional transport. Employing bi-mode technology enables the trains to run on both electrified and non-electrified tracks, which lowers fuel consumption and, consequently, the GBEs emissions. This aligns the objectives of the French government with economically and ecologically modernised means of transport to be diffused into the transport systems of the country.

The new trains will also provide a more sustainable means of travel for the region, which is in line with Grand Est’s objectives of promoting responsible tourism and aiming to reduce the carbon footprint of the tourism sector. It will offer visitors a more sustainable alternative to the private car, thereby contributing to sustainable tourism in the region.

Upcoming Developments and Future Plans  

The recently ordered trains are expected to arrive in 2030 to coincide with the modernisation of France’s national and regional rail construction. Bidirectionally operated trains are to be implemented on the RRR lines and the Grand Est region recently assigned an additional €11.7 million for the extension of the active RRR fleet to ensure the smooth transition for regional customers. This investment in the rail transition will ensure Grand Est’s competitiveness in the tourism market.  

A Bright Future for Regional Travel and Tourism  

The recently ordered bi-mode trains will arrive in 2030 as a part of a larger Grand Est region initiative. The government’s recently announced investment in modern rolling stock with the intent to reduce carbon emissions on the route will positively impact the regional tourism market and the ease of travel for new and returning visitors.

Increased accessibility to Strasbourg’s historical attractions, the Alsace wine route, and the Vosges mountains enable the new trains to boost the number of visitors and enhance their experience of the attractions, help them spend more in the local economy, and help the Grand Est region continue to develop and grow in popularity as a European tourist destination for culture, history, and nature.  

Conclusion  

The arrival of 16 new Regiolis bi-mode trains signifies that Grand Est is improving its regional transport system. The new trains will add comfort, efficiency, and eco-sustainability to the system, as well as increase capacity within the Serm transport service, allowing tourists to experience even more of this beautiful region of France. The investments made in transport infrastructure provide the Grand Est region with the means to streamline travel for tourists and achieve its goal of increased visitation.