Berlin’s New JK Metro Trains Enter Passenger Service

BVG’s latest generation of metro trains is entering passenger service in Berlin, with up to 140 cars from Stadler expected to be delivered before the end of the year.

The new series, known as JK, is designed for the narrower U-Bahn lines U1 to U4. This marks the first new train type for these routes in a decade.

On Monday, 8 September 2025, the first of the new vehicles entered passenger operation on line U2.

The introduction follows an extensive approval process, including test runs, technical measurements and staff training. The trains are part of BVG’s strategy to strengthen service reliability before expanding capacity. The company aims to return to a reliability rate of around 99 percent in the coming years.

Henrik Falk, CEO of BVG said:

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.

The new vehicles feature updated information systems, revised interior layouts and accessibility improvements. According to BVG, these measures are intended to improve both operational performance and passenger experience.

Jure Mikolčić, CEO of Stadler Division Germany said:

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!

The fleet renewal forms part of a wider procurement programme. BVG has a framework agreement with Stadler covering up to 1,500 cars for delivery by 2035, valued at up to 3 billion EUR. Of these, 484 cars have been ordered so far: the JK type for the smaller-profile lines and the J type for the larger-profile lines U5 to U9. The wider J series is currently in trial operation and scheduled to enter passenger service in summer 2026.

The state of Berlin is financing the new vehicles as part of its transport contract with BVG.