Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) has put into commercial operation the new Stadler metro train on Line U2 on 8 September 2025. This train is part of a contract signed with Stadler for the delivery of up to 140 new carriages before the end of the year, enhancing reliability and capacity on the Berlin U-Bahn.
The event was organised at Deutsche Oper station and was attended by BVG CEO Henrik Falk, Franziska Giffey, the Chair of the BVG Supervisory Board, and Chief HR Officer Jenny Zeller-Grothe, along with Kai Wegner, the Governing Mayor of Berlin, Ute Bonde, Senator for Mobility, Transport, Climate Protection and the Environment and Jure Mikolčić, CEO of Stadler Germany.
“The new U-Bahn trains for our BVG mark a milestone for the future of public transport in Berlin. By renewing the fleet, we’re creating more reliability and punctuality for Berliners – and making BVG more resilient and future-ready in these challenging times,” Kai Wegner, Governing Mayor of Berlin, said.
Prior to the launch, the new trains underwent rigorous testing and certification procedures, as well as operational preparations including driver and maintenance staff training over several months.
“These new trains are a vital pillar in achieving a more stable U-Bahn operation. Passengers will be able to experience the fleet upgrade first-hand: see the trains, step aboard, and enjoy the improved space and design. These trains are not just an upgrade, but a clear commitment to modern, sustainable mobility,” Henrik Falk, CEO of BVG, said.
Modernising the fleet is a key element of BVG’s “Stability before Growth” strategy. The goal is to gradually return to reliability levels of 99% over the coming years. These new trains represent a major milestone on that path – with improved technical performance, spacious interior design, modern information systems and enhanced accessibility, they make the U-Bahn not just more reliable, but also more appealing. The new trains provide more stability, more space, and more comfort for passengers.
“The new trains are the result of over five years of intensive collaboration. We’re delighted that the vehicles are now entering passenger service. A huge thank-you to all the teams involved for their outstanding work!” Jure Mikolčić, CEO of Stadler Germany said.
This new generation of vehicles will shape the face of the Berlin U-Bahn for decades to come representing the largest fleet renewal in BVG’s history.
The framework agreement with Stadler includes up to 1,500 new carriages to be delivered by 2035, with a total contract volume of up to EUR 3 billion. To date, 484 carriages have been ordered from two sister series: JK trains for lines U1 – U4 and J train for lines U5–U9. The new trains are being funded by the State of Berlin as part of its public transport contract with BVG. The broader J-series for lines U5 to U9 is currently in the testing phase and is expected to enter passenger service next summer.
The new Stadler metro train is designated “JK”. For the first time in ten years, BVG is introducing a new model specifically designed for the narrower-profile lines U1 to U4. “These first vehicles of the new generation are the forerunners of the largest fleet renewal in BVG’s history,” Ute Bonde said.
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