Stadler trains for the Berlin metro have moved into regular passenger service on the U5 line, taking BVG’s fleet renewal program beyond the testing stage. The rollout begins the modernization of subway lines U5–U9 and brings the new vehicles into daily operation earlier than planned.

Stadler trains for the Berlin metro enter U5 service
Stadler trains for the Berlin metro enter U5 service

According to BVG’s official project update, the new trains are designed to improve comfort, support more stable operations, and give passengers clearer information during trips. After the final testing phase, during which passengers had already been able to travel on board, up to 36 Stadler cars are now used on the Berlin U5 line each day. That corresponds to six full-length trains.

By the end of the year, the J-series fleet is expected to reach about 170 cars. BVG has already ordered another 170 cars, with Stadler scheduled to deliver them next year.

Stadler trains for the Berlin metro start U5–U9 renewal

For BVG, Germany’s largest public transport operator, the start of J-series operation is a central part of its wider BVG fleet renewal strategy. The operator is tying the new vehicles to both modernization of the subway fleet and efforts to stabilize service across the Berlin network.

“Today is a good day for all Berlin subway passengers and an important milestone for the stability of subway operations, now and in the future,” said Henrik Falk, CEO of BVG. “For us, it is truly a historic day. The last inaugural run with new cars for the U5–U9 lines took place over 30 years ago.

Today we are laying the groundwork for the next decades of success for the Berlin subway.”

The new J-series trains are intended for the large-profile section of the Berlin U-Bahn, which includes lines U5–U9. BVG is introducing them first on the U5, where they will gradually replace the IK-series trains that have been operating there in recent years.

More space and clearer passenger information

BVG says the new trains provide a more spacious passenger area, generous door zones, and more room for different groups of users. That includes wheelchair passengers, parents travelling with strollers, and people carrying luggage.

Inside, the vehicles combine a new lighting concept with a redesigned passenger information system. One new function starts guiding passengers toward exits and elevators before they leave the train, making it easier to find their way through subway stations.

Accessibility has been improved as part of the same upgrade. Drivers also receive new controls and a more comfortable workplace.

Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner described the new trains as a sign of “modern and efficient local transport” for Germany’s capital. “Passengers benefit from greater comfort, better information, and higher operational reliability. By modernizing its fleet, BVG is strengthening its service offering and investing in attractive and reliable mobility for Berliners,” said Kai Wegner.

Berlin subway reliability and BVG’s stability strategy

Franziska Giffey, Senator for Economy, Energy, and Public Enterprises and Chair of the BVG Supervisory Board, linked the new vehicles to BVG’s stability strategy. Her statement also referred to the current level of the Berlin subway reliability indicator.

“With the new subway trains, BVG is investing in efficient and reliable local transport for Berlin and continuing its stability strategy. In the first quarter of 2026, the reliability of the Berlin subway was 98.6%. The new cars will contribute to a noticeable improvement in the daily lives of Berliners: with them, BVG is bringing more comfort, modern passenger information, and even better accessibility to the network,” said Franziska Giffey.

As the J-series vehicles enter service on line U5, the IK trains currently used there will be replaced. Those trains were originally developed for lines U1–U4, but in recent years they have operated temporarily on the U5 with an adapted car width.

After a short modification process, the nine-year-old IK trains will be suitable for lines U1–U4. BVG says moving them to the narrow-profile network will help further modernize that part of the fleet.

Stadler Germany highlights Berlin-built vehicles

Jure Mikolčić, CEO of Stadler Germany, said the start of J-series passenger service completes the new vehicle generation for the standard-gauge network. He also emphasized that the trains were developed and manufactured in Berlin.

“With the launch of the J-series cars into passenger service, the new generation of vehicles for the standard-gauge network is complete and has reached the goal for which it was jointly developed by BVG and Stadler: after decades, the standard-gauge network is being renewed with modern vehicles for all Berliners. The fact that vehicles developed and manufactured in Berlin are now also running on the wide-gauge passenger network is a special moment for all project teams and an important step toward the long-term modernization of the Berlin subway,” said Jure Mikolčić.

In its official release on the new trains for Berlin’s U5 to U9 underground lines, Stadler also frames the J-series launch as part of the long-term renewal of the Berlin subway. The same rollout was previously covered by Railway Supply in its report on 36 J-series trains entering service on the Berlin U-Bahn.

The J series and its narrower JK sister series are part of the largest procurement contract in BVG’s history. Orders placed so far cover 484 cars, including 140 JK-series cars for lines U1–U4. Almost all of those JK cars are already in service, and BVG says they have contributed to a significant improvement in reliability on the U2 line since September 2025.