We had already been able to take a first look at the new trams at the manufacturer’s factory almost a month ago (see: https://www.urban-transport-magazine.com/en/new-flexity-tram-for-berlin-nearing-completion/ ) – and now the official unveiling has taken place in Berlin: at the Lichtenberg depot today, 3 July 2024, BVG board member Dr Rolf Erfurt and tram division manager Rico Gast took delivery of the first new vehicle from Müslüm Yakisan, Regional President for the DACH region at manufacturer Alstom. And because new rail vehicles are always something very special, Governing Mayor Kai Wegner, Senator for Economic Affairs and Chairwoman of the BVG Supervisory Board Franziska Giffey and Senator for Transport Ute Bonde also attended the premiere.
With a length of 50.89 metres and a width of 2.40 metres, the new generation of BVG trams clearly puts all previous vehicles in the shade. The new trams – called Urbanliners – are being built primarily for Berlin’s busiest tram line. Around 100,000 passengers a day travel on the M4, with 18 trams per hour and direction. A record in Germany’s largest tram network, although line M10 comes very close to these numbers.
From the 1st quarter of 2025, the new vehicles will gradually replace the so-called double tractions consisting of two coupled GT6 series trams previously used on the M4. They will offer space for up to 312 passengers, around 12 more than in the coupled GT6 trains used to date.
“The tram is on course for growth,” says Dr Rolf Erfurt, BVG Board Member for Operations. “This not only applies to our network, but fortunately also to passenger numbers. And now even for the vehicles, because the Urbanliners are the longest trams in the history of BVG. With the new vehicle type, we are now utilising the long stops on the M4 to create more capacity where demand is highest. Our passengers can look forward not only to more space, but also to other innovations that will benefit them directly.”
The list of equipment details is long: the new chassis design noticeably increases running smoothness and reduces vibrations. In the interior, a new lighting concept ensures a sense of well-being and changes the light temperatures between cold and warm white depending on the time of day and season. And at the doors, green and red LED strips as well as warning tones clearly signal when passengers can board and when they should stay behind.
The important issue of accessibility also played a key role in the development of the Urbanliner. Large multi-purpose compartments offer space for passengers with wheelchairs or walking frames. Comfort seats with a height of 51 centimetres are available for people with restricted mobility. There are also particularly low seats (40 centimetres) for short and small people. Handrails with a “golf ball structure” on the doors improve orientation for the blind and visually impaired when boarding and alighting. An additional gap bridging now also facilitates barrier-free boarding at stops with left-side boarding.
For the first time, a BVG tram will have no exterior mirrors at all. Instead, there is a system of cameras that improves visibility in all situations. Even the last door is always in view, so there are practically no more blind spots. An assistance system has also been installed for the driver, which warns of obstacles in the vehicle’s path.
Most of the new vehicles are assembled at the plant in Bautzen, Saxony. The framework agreement with the manufacturer provides for a maximum order quantity of 117 Urbanliner vehicles. BVG has now ordered 20 long vehicles in the first call-off, which are to be delivered from this summer until 2026.
