Stadler begins passenger service with BVG’s new JK metro trains

The BVG is bringing new cars onto the network. As announced, Germany's largest local transport company started passenger operations with the latest generation of metro trains today, Monday, 8 September 2025. The first train made its maiden voyage on the U2 line this morning. Up to 140 new cars from manufacturer Stadler are set to join the fleet before the end of this year, ensuring greater stability in the metro service.

The new train series bears the designation JK. For the first time in ten years, BVG is introducing a new train model for the narrower U1 to U4 lines. Today's premiere was preceded by thorough testing and measurement runs as part of the approval process. Operational preparations, including training for drivers and workshop staff, have also been underway for months.

Premieres like this are always a special reason to celebrate. Rail vehicles are durable and therefore particularly sustainable. For this reason, Governing Mayor Kai Wegner and Senators Franziska Giffey and Ute Bonde attended today's "new train presentation" at the Deutsche Oper metro station and sent the train on its maiden voyage together with BVG CEO Henrik Falk and Chief Human Resources Officer Jenny Zeller-Grothe.

The renewal of the fleet is an essential component of the BVG's "stability before growth" strategy. The aim is to gradually return to reliability levels of 99 per cent over the next few years. The new trains are a milestone on this path, because with technical stability, a spacious interior design, modern information systems and improved accessibility, they not only make metro transport more reliable, but also more attractive. In short: more stability, more space, more comfort – more future for the metro.

Future is meant literally here. This generation of vehicles will shape the image of the Berlin metro for decades to come. It is the largest fleet renewal in the history of the BVG. The framework agreement with the manufacturer Stadler covers up to 1,500 new cars, which can be delivered by 2035. The volume amounts to up to three billion euros. A total of 484 cars from the two sister series JK (for lines U1 to U4) and J (for lines U5 to U9) have currently been ordered. The new vehicles are being financed by the state of Berlin as part of the transport contract with BVG.

The wider J series for lines U5 to U9 is currently in trial operation and is scheduled to go into passenger service next summer.

Henrik Falk, CEO of BVG: "These new cars are an important pillar for more stable metro operation. From now on, our passengers will be able to experience the modernisation of our fleet. They can see the new trains, touch them, get on board and experience the new sense of space. These new vehicles are not just an upgrade, but a commitment to modern, sustainable mobility and will continue to shape the cityscape in the coming decades."

Jure Mikolčić, CEO of Stadler Division Germany: "With today's maiden voyage, we are not only welcoming the new generation of vehicles for the Berlin metro but also marking an important milestone in our partnership with BVG. The new trains are the result of over five years of intensive collaboration. We are delighted that the vehicles are now gradually entering passenger service. A big thank you to all the teams for their excellent work!"

www.stadlerrail.com