Hamburg Launches the First Automated Metro Line U5: Timelines, Details, and Project Innovations

Hamburg is actively advancing its project to create the city’s first automated metro line, this is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

On August 13, 2024, the city senate approved funding of 1.5 billion euros for the construction of the second section of the U5 line.

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This new 2.3 km segment is planned to begin construction in 2026, with its commissioning expected in 2035.

The U5 line will be a landmark project for Hamburg as it will be the city’s first fully automated metro line.

It will be capable of transporting up to 270,000 passengers daily, significantly enhancing the metropolitan area’s transport capacity.

The U5 line will consist of three sections with a total length of approximately 25 km and 23 stations, including transfers to other metro lines and the city rail network.

The first construction phase, the Bramfeld – City Nord section, which is 5.8 km long, began in the fall of 2021 and will be gradually commissioned from 2029 to 2033. The third section, about 17 km long, is also planned for the near future.

The project’s economic efficiency is assessed at a cost-benefit ratio of 1.23, which allows for the anticipation of substantial federal subsidies.

It is expected that up to 75% of all expenses for the new line’s construction may be covered by the federal budget.

Hamburger Hochbahn (HHA) plays a crucial role in the project’s implementation, as it is responsible for managing Hamburg’s metro and bus routes.

For the new U5 line, the company has contracted with Alstom to implement the Urbalis family’s Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) system. This contract also includes the supply of new four-car DT6 trains.

This modern control system and the new trains will ensure high reliability and efficiency for the automated line, making it attractive to both residents and visitors.

Thus, the U5 line project in Hamburg represents not only a significant infrastructure initiative but also an important step towards the future of urban transport.

The fully automated line, with advanced control technologies and modern trains, is designed to enhance the quality and convenience of travel within the city and reduce the load on the existing transport network.

Photo: Hamburger Hochbahn

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