A set of 36 brand-new J-series trains have now entered regular daily service on Berlin’s U5 to U9 subway lines.
By the end of 2026; BVG has stated that it expects its fleet of J-series trains to grow to approximately 170 cars – with a further 170 already ordered for delivery next year.
The new J-series trains have entered operation across lines U5 to U9
© Stadler
Each train will enter operation and replace IK-series vehicles currently in use, which were developed for services on U1 to U4 and have been in temporary service on the U5 for several years with an adjusted car width.
At nine years old, these units will instead now begin providing services on their intended lines (U1 to U4), further modernising fleets elsewhere along Berlin’s subway network.
Henrik Falk , CEO of BVG, said:
Today is a good day for all subway passengers in Berlin and a milestone for the stability of subway operations, both now and in the future.
For us, it’s even a historic day. The last inaugural run with new trains for lines U5 to U9 was over 30 years ago. Today, we are setting the course for the next successful decades for the Berlin subway.
The new J-series trains, developed and manufactured in Berlin by Stadler, are equipped with new passenger information systems, a bespoke lighting concept, and improved accessibility.
Jure Mikolčić, CEO of Stadler Germany, said:
With the start of passenger service for the J-type trains, the new generation of vehicles is complete with the large-profile network and has now arrived where it was jointly developed by BVG and Stadler: After decades, the large-profile network is being renewed with modern vehicles for all Berliners.
The fact that the vehicles, which are developed and manufactured in Berlin, are now also operating on the large-profile network for passengers is a special moment for all project teams – and an important step for the long-term modernisation of the Berlin U-Bahn.
Introduction of both the J-series, and its narrower sister JK-series, represents the largest procurement order in the history of BVG.
The current order is comprised of a total of 484 vehicles, including 140 JK-series vehicles for lines U1 to U4, almost all of which are already in service on line U2 following their debut in September 2025.