The Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) has signed a contract with Siemens Mobility to implement the CBTC system for Berlin’s U5 and U8 metro lines, marking a significant step in the modernization of the city’s transportation infrastructure, this is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Berlin Metro Modernizes

The contract, valued at 200 million euros, includes long-term maintenance commitments.

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The Trainguard MT CBTC (Communications-Based Train Control) system allows for semi-automatic operation (GoA2), planned to be implemented on the U5 line by 2029 and the U8 line by 2032.

This technology will increase the capacity of the lines by 30% without the need for new tracks.

CBTC enables train intervals of less than 100 seconds, significantly enhancing the reliability and punctuality of the metro.

Siemens Mobility will carry out the modernization work without disrupting train operations, which is crucial for passengers.

The CBTC system will be installed on 40 km of tracks, covering all stations on the U5 and U8 lines.

The digital CBTC system will replace the existing signaling system, providing more efficient and centralized monitoring, as well as a high level of automation and communication.

The semi-automatic control system will allow trains to continuously exchange data with the infrastructure, move at specified safety intervals, and automatically brake and accelerate.

This will free train operators to focus on more critical tasks, such as monitoring passenger boarding and disembarking and responding to emergencies.

The main advantage of the new technology will be the ability to increase train frequency thanks to more precise real-time tracking of their location and speed.

The U5 and U8 lines were chosen for the initial CBTC implementation due to the need to update existing train protection systems.

Thus, the implementation of CBTC will be an important step in modernizing the Berlin metro, providing a higher level of safety, reliability, and efficiency for the city’s transportation system.

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