en.Wedoany.com Reported - Berlin's public transport operator (BVG) officially put the first Urbanliner tram into passenger service on July 15, marking the launch of a new generation of high-capacity trams to support the city's growing transport network.
The 50-meter tram entered regular operation after completing testing and final infrastructure work, initially running on the busy M4 line, expected to increase passenger capacity and improve accessibility and comfort. Before entering service, minor infrastructure modifications were completed around Alexanderplatz, including the installation of additional tunnel supports as part of the approval process. After the upgrades were finished, the tram was authorized to begin carrying passengers.
BVG CEO Henrik Falk stated that with these new vehicles, the tram fleet, following the subway, will also be well-equipped for the coming decades. He added that the Urbanliner is a clear signal that Berlin is continuously investing in modern vehicles and high-performance infrastructure.
The Urbanliner can carry over 300 passengers, replacing older GT6 trams that operated in double units on the M4 line. The remaining vehicles are scheduled for delivery in the remainder of 2026, with approximately 15 expected to be in service by the end of the year. By 2028, the fleet size is expected to double, with all 65 trams currently on order anticipated to be delivered by 2030.
The new trams, designed and manufactured by Alstom, introduce several passenger-focused improvements, including adaptive interior lighting, enhanced ride quality through a redesigned chassis, and LED door indicators to improve boarding and alighting. Accessibility has also been prioritized, with larger multi-purpose areas for wheelchair users and passengers with strollers, dedicated priority seats, tactile handrails for visually impaired passengers, and step-free boarding improvements with additional gap fillers.
The Urbanliner is also BVG's first tram without external rearview mirrors, replaced by a camera system that provides drivers with better visibility and reduces blind spots. An obstacle detection assistance system further enhances operational safety. Christoph Klaes, Vice President of Customer Management for Central and Northern Europe at Alstom, stated that this new generation of trams combines high performance with greater comfort and accessibility, specifically designed to meet Berlin's growing mobility needs. Reflecting changes in passenger behavior, the Urbanliner no longer features onboard ticket machines; BVG has expanded ticket sales points along the M4 line, noting that most passengers now purchase tickets digitally or use subscription products such as the Germany ticket (Deutschlandticket) for travel.
