New subways for Berlin: Comfort and hope for punctuality!

New subways for Berlin: Comfort and hope for punctuality!

Berlin, Deutschland - The Berlin subway is faced with a change, because from the beginning of September 2025 new trains from the JK series will be put into operation. This initiative is no coincidence: the customer satisfaction of passengers has been in the basement for years, especially due to numerous failures and delays due to an outdated car park, which is sometimes over 60 years old. According to berlin-live plans to use the new trains on the U2 between Pankow and Ruhleben. U-train boss Stefan Kärgel emphasizes the many advantages of the new series that offer a significant gain in comfort compared to the previous trains.

What exactly can the passengers expect with the new trains? The JK series will offer continuous accessibility, which significantly improves the feeling of space. In particular, wheelchair users, parents with strollers and cyclists will benefit from the wider passages between the wagons. Holding rods have been redesigned: Instead of vertical poles, there are now curved models that create more space. There are also special multi -purpose areas behind the driver's cabins for bicycles. The trains rely on an innovative lighting concept that adapts to the time of day and should provide more cosiness. Air conditioning, on the other hand, is missing because they would heat up the tunnels and train stations too much. Instead, improved ventilation systems are used to ensure a pleasant climate.

a step into the future

not to be neglected are the hard facts: the BVG has ordered a total of 484 new cars, including 140 small profile trains and 344 for large profile lines. The first 140 trains of the JK series must be delivered by the end of December. For the U2, however, 216 of these trains are needed, a clear indication of urgency to renew the transport infrastructure. The new models should not be used until the summer of 2026 on the major profile lines (U5 to U9). This is the biggest procurement mandate in the history of the BVG, such as Tagesspiegel notes.

The need for these new trains can also be seen in the alarming statistics: In 2024 there were record-breaking numbers of train failures and delays, so that more than any 17th subway had a false trip. According to rbb24 the punctuality rate dropped to 98.3 percent. The reasons for the poor values ​​are obvious: a shortage of skilled workers, infrastructure problems and a dilapidated car park are attributable to the BVG, while the training of the drivers also brings with it for the new trains.

The traffic senator Ute Bonde (CDU) still sees no reason to panic, the BVG describes it as "adequate financed" and as a "highly attractive employer". If everything goes according to plan, the new trains should also be used on lines U1 to U4 by the end of the year, which should be a welcome relief for passengers. It remains to be seen whether the announced comfort and the new designs will help to increase the satisfaction of passengers sustainably.