New Subway Trains Launch on Multiple Berlin Lines After Delays

Berlin's public transport system is set to experience a significant upgrade as new subway trains begin service on several lines, starting with the U2 line. This improvement comes after years of delays in the delivery of new rolling stock, which has caused frustration among commuters.

On Monday, the first vehicles from the new JK series were officially put into operation. These modern trains are designed to enhance reliability on the U-Bahn network, which has faced challenges due to an aging fleet. The Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) announced that a total of 140 of these new trains are expected to be in service by the end of the year.

The JK trains are narrower models intended for the Kleinprofil lines, specifically U1 to U4. Their introduction aims to rejuvenate the existing fleet and stabilize the overall transportation system. In addition to the JK series, tests are currently underway for wider J series trains, which will serve the U5 to U9 lines, though these are projected to enter service next year.

Overall, BVG has placed an order with manufacturer Stadler for a total of 484 new subway cars across both the JK and J series. The complete delivery is scheduled to be finalized by 2027. This influx of new trains is essential, especially in light of recent months marked by delays and service interruptions that have affected numerous routes.

The new trains are part of a broader effort to enhance the efficiency and comfort of Berlin's public transportation system, which aims to improve service reliability by 2028, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of BVG. The recent delays in train production were largely attributed to supply chain issues experienced by the manufacturer, which have now been addressed.

As Berlin continues to grow and evolve, the introduction of these new subway trains represents a crucial step towards modernizing the city's transport infrastructure, ensuring that it meets the demands of its residents and visitors alike.