GERMANY: The Land of Thüringen's transport ministry awarded DB Regio the Dieselnetz Nordthüringen passenger operating contract on October 7, saying the bid was selected on the basis of quality and efficiency.

Running for 12 years from December 2013, the contract covers the operation of 2·6 million train-km/year on routes from Erfurt to Kassel, Nordhausen and Leinefelde and between Gotha and Bad Langensalza. The services are currently operated by Erfurter Bahn and DB Regio. Further routes were to have been included, but were dropped from the contract.