Landesnahverkehrsgesellschaft Niedersachsen mbH (LNVG) in Lower Saxony, Germany, started to set up its own pool of railway vehicles back in 1997. By doing this the LNVG saved time (rolling stock could be ordered before an EVU / rail operator was contracted) and they saved money, by ordering coaches, train sets and locomotives in greater numbers.

Since 2003 various Traxx locomotives have been added to the LNVG fleet. They are now all hired to Metronom Eisenbahngesell-schaft GmbH, the operator that has been contracted by the LNVG. (Originally, the name Metrorail was chosen, but this name was already in use). In December 2003 Metronom started services on the Hamburg-Bremen and Hamburg-Uelzen relations using Bombardier Traxx1 P160 AC1 locomotives (ME 146 01-10) and corresponding rakes of double deck coaches, built by the same manufacturer.

Since then Metronom is expanding rapidly. In December 2005 the Uelzen-Gottingen relation was taken over and additional rolling stock was ordered; new double deck coaches and eight Traxx2 P160 AC2 locomotives, designated ME146 11-18. Bombardier migrated its complete production line to the Traxx 2 concept in the mean time, hence the different design.

In December 2007, Metronom also introduced its concept on the Hamburg-Luneburg, Hamburg-Torstedt (exploited as Metronom Regional - MEr), and Hamburg-Cuxhaven. For the first two services mentioned again nine Traxx2 electrics were built, designated 146 531-539. The line Hamburg-Cuxhaven is not electrified and therefore the trains are hauled by Traxx 2E platform based diesel-electric machines; the LNVG 246 series.

In 2010, the fleet was extended with another three Traxx2 electrics: 146 541-543. Bombardier is responsible for the maintanance of all Traxx units.