Berlin unveils new 'Urbanliner' trams
Posted on 5th July 2024 at 09:04
The official delivery presentation of the first nine-section 100% low-floor tram from Alstom to BVG took place at Lichtenberg depot on 3 July, with 5001 welcomed by city senators and BVG directors.
The new tram was christened Urbanliner and 20 are initially being delivered from an option for up to 117; assembly takes place at the former Bombardier factory in Bautzen and if the various options are exercised Berlin could see 41 60m trams as well. The new generation of trams are 50.89m long and 2.4m wide with capacity for 312 passengers (92 seated). They will be used on line M4 (Hackescher Markt–Hohenschönhausen), replacing coupled sets of GT6 trams from early in 2025.
For the first time a BVG tram will be devoid of external mirrors, replaced by a system of cameras that will give drivers visibility in all situations. They will also have an assistance system to warn of obstacles in the tram’s travel area. Interior lighting will vary from warm to cold depending on the time of day.
Dr Rolf Erfurt, BVG Operations Director, said, ‘The tram is on a growth trajectory. This not only applies to our network, but also passenger numbers; and now even to the vehicles because the Urbanliners are the longest trams in the history of BVG. With the new vehicle type we are now using the long platforms on line M4 to create more capacity where demand is greater. Our passengers can not only look forward to more space, but also to other innovations that will directly benefit them’.
The BVG tram fleet includes 150 GT6 cars (the earliest dating back to 1994) and 231 Flexity Berlin delivered since 2008.
The first Alstom Urbanliner emerges from Lichtenberg depot. (BVG)
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