BVG-Logo
A BVG underground train at Alexanderplatz station. The artist’s impression shows a future class J wide gauge train

The future is about to begin

The capital is growing, and we’re growing with it. The BVG has entered into a master agreement with rolling stock manufacturer Stadler to build a new generation of underground trains. It’s the biggest vehicle purchasing programme in the history of the BVG, with a total budget of around three billion euros and expected delivery of up to 1,500 carriages.

From Berlin, for Berlin

Thanks to a combination of fixed minimum purchase volumes and master agreement quantities, the supply contract gives us both flexibility and the confidence to plan for the long term. With the option to call off stock up to 2030, we will be in a position to respond to expected changes in traffic up to 2035. The carriages will be produced in Berlin-Pankow. In addition to supplying the rolling stock, Stadler will also ensure a supply of spare parts for a period of 32 years.
The first test vehicles are expected at the beginning of 2024. After intensive test runs, various inspections and type approval, series delivery will then begin. Initially for the narrow gauge (JK) train classes, and a little later for the wide gauge (J) class. The underground train fleet will grow by about a third to 2035, in the process translating into significant customer benefits: by 2030, we expect to increase the frequency of services on our main lines. This means more capacity and more trains – all as reliably as ever.
An artist’s impression shows the BVG’s new underground fleet: the narrow gauge class JK on the left, the wide gauge class J on the right.
The new fleet For historical reasons, two underground train systems exist side by side in Berlin: the older narrow gauge lines 1 to 4 (train width approx. 2.40 m) and the more recent wide gauge lines 5 to 9 (train width approx. 2.65 m). Our decision to purchase class J (wide gauge) and JK (narrow gauge) trains from one supplier offers both economic and operational advantages: both train classes share a large number of components, facilitating their production and future maintenance at our depots. Where our present underground fleet is made up of several different class trains, which are only partially compatible with one another, the large number of new identical trains will increase compatibility and thus operational flexibility within the fleet. In addition, the ability to combine end and middle carriages will enable different train lengths and configurations to match demand. All the new trains feature accessible boarding and multi-purpose compartments with space for passengers with reduced mobility.
The artist’s impressions shows the future class J wide gauge train at Alexanderplatz station
Wide gauge (J) Class J trains are a combination of end and middle carriages that can form two, four, and six carriage walk-through vehicles. The trains offer passengers spacious multi-purpose areas in the end carriages and a large number of seats in the middle carriages. Three doors on each side and large door areas further ensure quick boarding and alighting.
The artist’s impressions shows the future class JK narrow gauge train at Olympiastadion station
Narrow gauge (JK) Thanks to its modular design, class JK can be configured as two or four carriage walk-through vehicles, which in turn can be combined to form six or eight carriage trains. The trains, almost all of which have full walk-through capability, offer passengers plenty of space and ensure that they feel safe, too. Class JK carriages have two doors on each side. A modern real-time passenger information system is available in the bright and pleasant passenger compartments.
Tests are being carried out on the 1:1 model of the new class JK underground train

1:1 model for real-world testing

The BVG has developed a 1:1 model of the new JK class, consisting of a largely functional driver’s cab and a partially functional passenger compartment that already includes features such as doors and lighting. The mock-up has been used for tests to finalise the design and equipment details. The BVG was able to gain a practical impression of the new vehicle and incorporate the experience gained from this into the design. Our 360° model offers a virtual tour of the underground trains of the future and explains the funktionalities of the new train generation: 360° model (site in German)

  • Our underground trains? Already cut quite a figure

    1,300

    carriages in our present fleet

  • Investing in the future

    1,500

    carriages can be called off under the master agreement

  • We won’t go below that

    606

    vehicles to be supplied at minimum

  • Small but mighty

    440

    maximum number of narrow gauge carriages to be supplied

  • Making a big entrance

    1,060

    maximum number of wide gauge carriages to be supplied

  • Strict schedule

    2035

    is the last possible delivery