Germany: A fleet of 36 J series cars has entered passenger service on Berlin’s Line U5. Up to 170 of these cars are expected to be in daily service on the German capital’s metro by the end of this year, with another 170 to follow in 2027.
The J series is intended for the large-profile Lines U5-U9. Compared with the JK trains, which began operating on Line U2 last autumn, the J series has wider (2.65 m) and longer (16 m) cars.
J series trains operate in two- and four-car formations, with capacities of 215 and 463 passengers respectively, including 38 and 110 seats. The bodyshells are made of aluminium, with three doors per side on each car. The minimum curve radius is 50 m and the maximum speed 70 km/h.
J series metro train from Stadler on Line U5 in Berlin. Source: BVG
The cars were originally due to enter service in 2022, but the schedule slipped. The Berlin plant building them has been hit by financial difficulties owing to international instability and uncertainty over production volumes. Combined with software issues, this delayed the entry into service. Testing only began in summer 2025.
Deliveries form part of a major order awarded to Stadler in 2020 by Berlin’s public transport operator BVG. The contract provides for up to 1,500 metro cars worth a total of €3 bln, with a firm portion covering 344 J series cars and 140 JK series cars.
