Siemens Mobility has been awarded a contract from Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) to introduce a Communications-Based Train Control System (CBTC) on metro lines U5 and U8 in Berlin.
The Trainguard MT CBTC solution will enable semi-automated operation (GoA2) on the U5 line by 2029 and on the U8 line by 2032. This will increase the capacity of these lines by around 30%, with the technology allowing headways of less than 100 seconds between trains. This will also improve the reliability and punctuality of the two metro lines.
Siemens Mobility will complete the upgrade during ongoing operations so that trains on both lines will not be disrupted.
“The investment in our leading CBTC technology for metros is really good news for rail passengers in Berlin. It will provide the technical conditions for semi-automated trains to run on the lines every 100 seconds. This translates into 30% more passenger capacity for Berliners and is the best answer for increasing climate protection and meeting the growing need for mobility. Our tried and tested CBTC systems for metros are already being used in many major cities around the world, including Singapore, Paris, and New York.”
This project will equip BVG lines U5 and U8 with Trainguard MT over a total route length of 40 kilometres, including 26 stations on the U5 line and 24 stations on the U8 line.
Siemens Mobility will fully replace the existing signalling system with its digital technology to enable more efficient and centralised monitoring of operations alongside a higher level of automation and connectivity.
Once the system is installed, the semi-automated operation will allow trains to continuously communicate with trackside infrastructure. They will be able to run automatically at specified safety intervals, perform emergency braking, and accelerate and brake autonomously.
This contract is valued at approximately 200 million EUR.
