line was operated by single level Silberling carriages hauled by different locomotives, especially class 141s. For a long time, push-pull trains were used. In 2012, the transport authorities, the (LNVG) and the Zweckverband Nahverkehr Westfalen-Lippe (NWL), put the operation of the Münster–Emden regional express to tender. The contract was awarded to Westfalenbahn, a subsidiary of the Dutch State Railways, which started operations for 15 years from the timetable change in December 2015 with four-car Stadler FLIRT 3 electric multiple units from the leasing company Alpha Trains. The trains run in double traction during peak hour and have up to 42 bicycle parking spaces per multiple unit. In the past, InterCity trains to Emden Außenhafen and Norddeich Mole were mostly hauled by class 101 or 120 locomotives. In the meantime, however, mostly Alstom Traxx electric locomotives (class 146) are used with modern double-decker cars, branded Intercity 2. These vehicles are also used on IC line 56 towards Bremen/Hannover. In 2020, a pair of Intercity Expresses from Munich to Norddeich-Mole was also introduced. This service was expanded in 2021 with a connection to Stuttgart. Notes External links [strecken/2931.htm Description of line 2931] (NRW section) in NRW line archive of André Joost Railway lines in Lower Saxony Railway lines opened in 1854 1854 establishments in Germany