Certain lines are deemed as part of the Rhein-Ruhr Stadtbahn network and have been converted to standard gauge with high platforms, such as the Margarethenhohe line seen at Gemarkenplatz (above). The Stadtbahn-B car illustrated is of a design adopted at an early stage as the standard for this regional route network after original proposals for a fully segregated "metro" were discarded in favour of a more tram-line concept.

Also re-gauged as part of the same development is the line northwards out of Essen to Gelsenkirchen-Horst. By 2002, only a short stretch was still to be completed. In September 2001 it was opened as far as Fischerstrasse in Horst. The car at the temporary terminus is a tram bought second hand from London which is compatible with the Stadtbahn B design, although uniqure to Essen's lines.

A number of Essen's routes were not identified as being part of the regional network. Cities were free to maintain their other lines independently of the adopted standards for the Stadtbahn. Essen has recently re-equipped its rolling stock fleet with low floor trams from Bombardier, as seen above at Weserstrasse on the route to Rellinghausen.