The time has come: Berlin’s public transit authority (BVG) has received approval for its new generation of trams, the Urbanliner. The Technical Supervisory Authority (TAB) has granted the first vehicle permission to enter service. The first vehicles began regular service on the M4 tram line as early as July 8.
At the same time, the approval process for further vehicles is also progressing. The fleet operating on the M4 line is set to grow to around 15 vehicles before the end of this year and is expected to double to around 30 vehicles by 2028. In total, the BVG has ordered 65 Urbanliners, with delivery due to be completed by around 2030. We reported on this here.
Extensive Approval Process Completed
The start of operations was preceded by an extensive testing and approval programme, as is standard practice for new rolling stock. In Berlin, trams are approved on both a vehicle-specific and route-specific basis. The authorisation now granted applies to operation on route M4, although the new vehicles are intended to enter service on additional routes in the future.
As part of the route approval process, localised infrastructure modifications were required in the Alexanderplatz area. Following structural reassessments, additional support columns were installed within the underground station structure to provide an additional safety margin for an extended design load scenario. All announced measures – from the structural analyses to the construction works – have now been completed, enabling the supervisory authority to grant final approval. We reported here about this topic in detail: https://www.urban-transport-magazine.com/en/xxl-vehicle-xxl-questions-the-urbanliner-and-the-limits-of-berlins-infrastructure/.
More Space for Over 300 Passengers
The new Urbanliner trams accommodate more than 300 passengers and will gradually replace the coupled GT6 tram sets currently operating on route M4. At around 50 metres in length, they are among the largest trams in Germany.
The new generation of vehicles introduces a range of comfort enhancements. A modern lighting system automatically adjusts the colour temperature between warm and cool white depending on the time of day and season. LED light strips at the doors clearly indicate when boarding is permitted. In addition, a newly developed bogie design provides a noticeably smoother ride and significantly reduces vibration.
Accessibility has also been further improved. Spacious multi-purpose areas offer additional room for wheelchair users, passengers with mobility aids and pushchairs. Comfort seats with a raised seat height make it easier for passengers with reduced mobility to stand up, while particularly low seats are provided for children and people of short stature. Handrails featuring a distinctive textured surface improve orientation for blind and partially sighted passengers. The Urbanliner also incorporates an additional gap-bridging device, making step-free boarding easier at stops with left-hand-side platform access.
BVG: “A New Dimension for Berlin’s Tram Network”
BVG Chief Executive Officer Henrik Falk described the Urbanliner as a key element of the company’s modernisation programme:
“The BVG team acted quickly and with determination to overcome the final hurdles. Everything is now in place to bring a new dimension to Berlin’s tram network. With these new vehicles, we are ensuring that, alongside the Underground fleet, Berlin’s tram fleet will be fit for purpose for decades to come.”
Franziska Giffey, Berlin’s Senator for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises, also highlighted the importance of the new vehicles for the growing capital:
“Berlin is growing – and BVG is growing with it. Thanks to their size, the new trams set new standards by offering more space, greater comfort and full accessibility. We are making a targeted investment in Berlin’s busiest tram route.”
Berlin’s Senator for Mobility, Transport, Climate Protection and the Environment, Ute Bonde, described the Urbanliners as “investments that deliver tangible benefits”, emphasising that, with capacity for more than 300 passengers, the vehicles have been designed consistently around the needs of Berlin’s residents.
Manufacturer Alstom also regards the introduction of the new fleet as a significant milestone. Christoph Klaes, Sales Director for Central and Northern Europe, said:
“The new generation of trams combines high performance with enhanced comfort and accessibility. It has been designed specifically to meet Berlin’s growing mobility requirements.”
With authorisation now granted and test and driver training runs about to begin, nothing now stands in the way of the planned introduction into passenger service in mid-July. For passengers, the Urbanliner represents another important step in the modernisation of Berlin’s tram fleet and will provide a substantial increase in capacity on the heavily used M4 route.
17.07.2026
