RTA declares major transformative update in subway system after two decades

The Rhine-Main Transport Association (RMV) has announced a series of significant changes to the S-Bahn network, marking the most extensive overhaul in two decades.

One of the key developments is the opening of the new Ginnheim station, which is now connected to U-Bahn lines U1 and U9. This connection is expected to improve the S-Bahn line S6 by enhancing local transport links in the area. The city of Frankfurt is also now directly connected to these U-Bahn lines, offering easier and shorter paths for travelers.

Another notable change is the completion of two dedicated tracks for the S6 between Bad Vilbel and Frankfurt. However, the RMV has stated that funds are needed to order trains for these new tracks once the future projects are completed.

The RMV has also called for additional funds for future projects like the Wallauer Spange and the Regional Tangent West. At present, the RMV has not specified a timeline for the completion of these projects.

The S6 will take over the journeys of the S3 and S4 between Frankfurt Süd, Langen, and Darmstadt. The S4 will be reinforced by long trains during peak hours, increasing seating capacity by up to 50 percent. The S3 and S4 will terminate at Frankfurt Süd station.

Travel times of the S3, S4, and S5 lines, as well as regional trains like the Niddertalbahn (RB34) and the Taunusbahn (RB15), will shift by five to ten minutes. Barrier-free access is available at all stations along the S6 route.

The S6 now runs at a higher frequency of every 15 minutes. A new line, RB37 between Frankfurt and Gießen, provides hourly connections from Großen-Linden and Langgöns to Frankfurt.

New bus connections, such as line 260 between Oberursel, Bad Soden, and Kelkheim, and line 365 between Bad Vilbel and Bad Homburg, complement existing connections and create a closer link between regions and the S-Bahn network.

The new 2025 timetable of the RMV comes into effect on December 15. Detailed information about the changes to the S-Bahn network and new timetables can be found on the RMV's website (rmv.de/s-bahn). The RMV has not announced any changes to the Wallauer Spange or the Regional Tangent West projects, nor has it announced any plans to order trains for the new tracks once these future projects are completed.