The Regionalbahn (abbreviated RB) is a type of local passenger train (stopping train) in Germany.
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Regionalbahn trains usually call at all stations on a given line, with the exception of RB trains within S-Bahn networks, these may only call at selected stations. Thus, they rank below the Regional-Express train, which regularly stops only at selected stations on its route.
RB trains are subject to franchising by the federal states of Germany; whilst many RB trains are still operated by DB Regio, the local traffic division of the former monopolist Deutsche Bahn, franchises often go to other companies, like Veolia Verkehr, eurobahn, Abellio Rail or metronom.
There is no obligation to use the term Regionalbahn for basic local services; some private rail operators therefore use their own names to denote their trains.
RB services make use of vastly different types of rolling stock; on electrified lines, double-deck cars or EMUs may be used, on non-electrified lines one will often find Class 218 locomotives with Silberling cars or newer DMUs like the Bombardier TALENT.
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