Production steps up on new Berlin U-bahn trains

The fit out of two pre-series Berlin U-bahn metro trains is set to begin after the body shells were presented by Stadler Pankow.

Stadler Pankow is initially building two IK metro trains to test on lines U1 to U4 of Berlin’s metro system. If successful, there’s an option for Berlin’s metro operator, BVG, to order an additional 34 vehicles.

The first two trains, which will now go to Stadler’s Hohenschonhausen plant for final assembly, will go into service in 2015.

Chief executive of BVG said: “With the new generation of subway trains, we can offer our passengers a vehicle that meets all modern requirements for comfort, safety, accessibility and energy efficiency.”

Both of the four-car trains will have a capacity of around 580 passengers. The additional capacity was created by “ballooning” the carriages, making them 10cm wider the current stock.




Continue reading...