Overview
- Tuesday reporting revealed DSW21 placed the order for new Stadtbahnen that will not include on‑board air conditioning.
- The operator told WDR the decision saved about €70 million up front and will cut roughly seven million kilowatt‑hours of annual electricity use so the money could buy additional vehicles.
- DSW21 operations manager Ralf Habbes acknowledged the choice reduces passenger comfort and said on‑board AC would only lower interior temperatures by a few degrees and is unnecessary on many short trips.
- Passengers have complained of strong heat when boarding from cool underground stations and the Dortmunder Greens have publicly criticized the omission while initial press requests to local parties and DSW21 went unanswered.
- The decision echoes other German operators that have put new trains into service without AC for technical or environmental reasons, a precedent that could raise scrutiny of future procurement choices and affect rider satisfaction.