Get in, try it out, change:
How Deutsche Bahn advertises the train driver job with a show truck

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Munich S-Bahn Eventmobile, illustration: 2025 © DB AG / Thomas Kiewning

The shortage of skilled workers does not stop at the tracks: Deutsche Bahn is urgently looking for new train drivers - especially for the S-Bahn network in Munich. In order to reach potential applicants directly, it is breaking new ground: with the mobile S-Bahn driving simulator “RoSi”, Deutsche Bahn is touring Munich and the surrounding area - stopping at DIY store parking lots, city festivals or in front of shopping centers.

The aim is to make the train driver profession tangible, arouse interest and, in particular, attract career changers to a new professional perspective.

The event mobile itself was planned, designed and implemented in collaboration with TRADERUNNER. With its experience in the field of mobile brand communication, TRADERUNNER brought an eye-catching concept to the road. And this is not an isolated case: Deutsche Bahn now has several such event mobiles in use to actively attract new skilled workers to the railroad.

“ München Rosi stands for rolling simulator and that's exactly how you can imagine it.....hinten inside is an S-Bahn simulator. So it's really true to the original, just like the real S-Bahn with a control pulse and a real train driver's chair that you can sit on. And yes, the simulated journeys are real routes. “*

New ways of recruiting personnel: the rolling driving simulator

“RoSi” stands for ‘rolling simulator’ - a faithfully recreated S-Bahn driver's cab. Anyone interested can take a virtual ride on the S1, S2 or S7 lines and experience first-hand what it's like to drive an S-Bahn train - without any prior knowledge or risk.

The idea of bringing the simulator to public places is a success: RoSi can be found in the parking lots of DIY stores and supermarkets, at city festivals, school events or transport days. In the relaxed atmosphere of an everyday environment, many people find it easier to simply try out what it feels like to ride an S-Bahn.

At the same time, DB employees are available on site to answer questions, provide information about career opportunities and accept applications directly if they are interested. A low-threshold, modern approach to attracting talent.

„Was ist jetzt die Idee? Also warum warst du da heute? Und warum macht das überhaupt die Bahn? Ja, Ziel der S-Bahn München ist den Fachkräftemangel bekämpfen. Das ist so die Hauptsache. Es gibt nämlich viel zu wenige Lokführer bei der S-Bahn in München. Und in dem man eben diesen rollenden Simulator Rosi verschiedenen Event fährt, will man den Münchnerinnen und Münchenern diesen Beruf Lokführer ein bisschen näher bringen. Also, man will zeigen, wie viel Spaß es eben macht, so eine S-Bahn zu fahren. Ich durfte ja heute schon erfahren. Es macht wirklich Spaß.“*

Conclusion: A profession with a future - directly tangible

RoSi shows: Deutsche Bahn not only gets people from A to B, it also gets careers rolling. With an innovative, everyday approach, it makes the train driving profession tangible - and offers real prospects in an industry with a secure future. Perhaps the next step in your career will start exactly where you least expect it: in the parking lot of a DIY store.

*Source: Podcast 95.5 Charivari - The Munich Briefing 12.05.2025 with Ludwig Haas and reporter: Dressler