Since June 2021, all S-Bahn Stuttgart platforms have been accessible to 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 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 to ensure so-called extensive accessibility:

• Passenger information systems
• Loudspeaker system or acoustic module
• Tactile guidance system on the platform
• Tactile path to the platform, step markings
• Tactile handrail signs on stairs and ramps
• Guidance and signage
• Creation of step clearance on the platform
• Weather protection facilities

As a result, passengers can expect not only a new raised floor covering as a side effect of the elevation in future, but often - as can be seen in the example of the recently converted Rommelshausen station - also platform equipment adapted to the state of the art.

Rail is the future: more and more people want to use public transport for a variety of reasons. This makes it all the more important to meet this demand by increasing capacity. However, tighter schedules and more vehicles on the tracks also mean potentially more susceptibility to disruption. The Verband Region Stuttgart and DB Regio have decided to counter this with a very special solution:

ETCS (European Train Control System), the European standardized train control system developed for high-speed traffic, is to be used for the first time in Germany for highly congested S-Bahn areas. The Stuttgart region is the first major railroad junction to be equipped with digital interlockings and the European Train Control System ETCS as part of the Stuttgart Digital Junction project. The node is a pilot project as part of the "Digital Rail Germany" starter package.

ETCS is used to control and influence train movements on the rail network. ETCS monitors, for example, whether a train is allowed to travel on a section of track, as well as its speed. ETCS Level 2 is to be introduced in Stuttgart. This means that the conventional signaling systems along the route can be dispensed with. The track signals only exist virtually and the corresponding information is displayed directly to the driver in the driver's cab in advance. Data is transmitted continuously and in both directions.

First of all, all S-Bahn trains must be equipped with the appropriate technology. With ETCS Level 2, trains can enter the station closer together. This will make it much easier to compensate for previous stop time overruns. The "build-up" of train delays is reduced. In addition, the introduction of ETCS provides the basis for an increase in speed on the main line.

In concrete terms, this means that blocks up to 30 meters short can be formed on the particularly heavily used S-Bahn main line in future. In conjunction with semi-automated operation, ETCS can shorten the train sequence by around half a minute. Further optimizations are possible.

In order to be able to effectively implement the denser operation of the network, the Verband Region Stuttgart has procured a total of 58 new trains, which will provide the necessary increase in capacity in the network. In addition, operating times will be significantly extended.

The new technology will be put into operation step by step. The first part of the new interlocking (still with conventional signals) is due to go into operation at the beginning of 2025, after which the ETCS system will be put through its paces before the core of the junction goes into operation with ETCS in 2026 under high performance requirements.

In the following years, ATO GoA 2 (a type of remote-controlled cruise control), a traffic management system (CTMS) and the new rail operations radio FRMCS will be used.

The new possibilities with ETCS are intended to directly benefit S-Bahn passengers. In addition to a significant stabilization of the S-Bahn timetable, the following additions are initially planned in the core area:

• Complete long train formation, consisting of three vehicles, during peak hours. This will not only provide additional capacity, but will also speed up passenger changes and thus contribute to greater punctuality.
• When the new technology comes into operation, four more trains per hour will run from the northern branch via Schwabstraße to Stuttgart-Vaihingen. Two of these will continue to Böblingen. Many passengers would then no longer have to change trains at the main station, which could help to further stabilize operations there.
• In the long term, more trains will run on the main line

As usual with such a large project, the financing is made up of different components:

At the end of 2021, not only was the number of S-Bahn vehicles increased, but the go-ahead was also given for a comprehensive redesign. The first step is to renew the exterior design of the trains. This should make boarding and alighting as smooth as possible. Color-coding of the various service areas on the outside of the train will make it easier for passengers to find their way when boarding in order to reduce waiting times.

The previously rather restrained pictograms, which indicated the correct boarding point for cyclists, will be expanded. In future, the entire areas of the special compartments will be colored in blue or yellow for 1st class and will stand out clearly for S-Bahn passengers, even on full platforms.

A comprehensive refurbishment of the interior of the S-Bahn will then follow from 2027. Conversion measures and extensions will be carried out, particularly in the multi-purpose compartments. The multi-purpose areas at the ends of the train will be designed to meet the requirements of wheelchair users and passengers with baby carriages in particular. More space is to be created for cyclists with additional compartments in the middle of the train. In addition, new monitors with customer-oriented display options will improve passenger information, and an automatic passenger counting system in the doors will provide information on real-time capacity utilization. Power sockets in all trains will also provide more comfort.

From 2027, the interior of the S-Bahn will undergo a comprehensive overhaul. Conversion measures and extensions will be carried out, particularly in the multi-purpose compartments. The multi-purpose areas at the ends of the train will be designed to meet the requirements of wheelchair users and passengers with baby carriages in particular. More space is to be created for cyclists with additional compartments in the middle of the train. In addition, new monitors with customer-oriented display options will improve passenger information, and an automatic passenger counting system in the doors will provide information on real-time capacity utilization. Power sockets in all trains will also provide more comfort.

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), the association is even making additional investments to take on tasks in the rail network that are actually the responsibility of others in order to make the network more stable. A few examples:

• More switches provide more flexibility. Thanks to their installation, the tracks in the S-Bahn tunnel between Schwabstraße and the university can be used more flexibly in future, particularly in the event of disruptions.
• More platforms for more S-Bahn. The platforms in Wendlingen, Nürtingen and Oberboihingen will be adapted so that the S-Bahn can continue from Plochingen to Nürtingen. A platform is also being reactivated in Feuerbach to enable the extension of the S62 from Zuffenhausen to Feuerbach in addition to handling incidents.
• More trains require more sidings: To this end, a further 49 are to be prepared for the vehicles in Kornwestheim, Stuttgart-Vaihingen, Bietigheim-Bissingen and Esslingen.