Stadler Builds 11 more Trains for the BVG

The Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) and Stadler Pankow GmbH are set to continue their cooperation, with 11 more underground trains to be completed in Berlin Pankow by the end of 2017. Two type IK underground train prototypes – which have already been dubbed “Icke” by the BVG – are currently undergoing trials on the BVG route network. With funds provided by the Berlin Senate from the Special Infrastructure Fund for the Growing City (SIWA), the BVG is now in a position to request further prototype vehicles in the near future. The total order volume amounts to approximately EUR 60 million.

“We are delighted to be able to expand our underground train fleet with 11 more of these modern vehicles in the near future,” said Dr Sigrid Evelyn Nikutta, Chairwoman of the Management Board and Operations at the BVG. “We are all aware that Berlin is growing. And the new trains, which we are able to buy thanks to the SIWA funds from the Berlin Senate, will help to ensure that the BVG’s mobility services can grow together with the city.”

“The continuation of our successful cooperation with the BVG is an endorsement of the quality of our work and our innovative vehicle solutions,” said Ulf Braker, Director of Stadler Pankow GmbH. “We’re absolutely delighted and we are very proud to produce more trains for our capital city and thus also the domestic market.”

The new vehicles are to be fitted with the technical configuration necessary to travel on both narrow- and wide-profile tracks. The four-carriage bidirectional vehicles are equipped with bright, friendly passenger compartments and a modern height compensation system. This allows the vehicles to be adjusted to different platform heights. Due to the slight outward curve of the carriage walls, which is known as “ballooning”, the carriages measure 2.4 metres across. Each underground train contains around 80 seats and provides additional standing room for 260. Consistent barrier-free access and increased multi-purpose areas have been designed with comfort in mind for those with restricted mobility. Bulky luggage, pushchairs and bicycles can also be more easily transported.