Germany: The first four-car Stadler JK metro train has started passenger service on Berlin’s U2 line. Stadler plans to deliver an additional 140 cars to BVG, the German capital’s operator, by the end of the year.
Due to the constraints of the U2 line, the JK trains have a width of 2.4 m and can carry up to 309 passengers. Each car has three powered axles, with a total motor power of 540 kW and a design speed of 70 km/h.
The service introduction was delayed from the initial 2022 schedule due to component supply issues. BVG has ordered a total of 484 JK and J series cars under a framework contract for 1,500 vehicles. These trains are built at Stadler’s Berlin factory, which is currently facing capacity challenges.
Meanwhile, the wider J series trains, featuring cars 2.65 m wide and 16 m long with three pairs of doors, are currently undergoing trial operations and are expected to enter service next summer.
