Local traffic - Hochbahn signs billion-euro contract for new subways
The Hamburg Tramway (Hamburger Hochbahn) has signed a billion-euro framework contract with Alstom for the purchase of up to 374 new U-Bahn train cars. In addition, the company will equip the new U5 line with a system for automatic operation, as announced by Hochbahn CEO Robert Henrich and Transport Senator Anjes Tjarks (Greens). With a total volume of up to 2.8 billion Euro, this is the largest single order in Hamburger Hochbahn history.
The new U-Bahn trains will offer more space and can be operated with or without train personnel. The first trains with the designation DT6-F and DT6-A are scheduled to run in 2028. "With the new DT6 trains from Alstom, we will bring more comfort, more space, service, and safety to Hamburg's public transportation and create an attractive, timely mobility offer for the people," said Tjarks.
The new DT6 will solve two important tasks on a single vehicle platform, according to Henrich: "Hamburg will receive a vehicle that can run automatically at 90-second intervals on the U5. At the same time, we can modernize and expand our fleet, which is in operation in the existing network."
The first trains will begin testing on the new U5 line in 2028
In the first tranche, 48 train cars will be delivered: Seven DT6-A cars, which can operate without train personnel, and 41 DT6-F cars with train drivers. The DT6-A trains are scheduled to begin testing on the first U5 line section between Bramfeld and City Nord/Borgweg in early 2028. This contract alone has a volume of 670 million Euro.
"The vehicles offer not only the latest technology but have been developed by the Hochbahn to extract the optimum from the over 100-year-old network with narrow tunnels and historic bridges and viaducts," said Henrich.
As with the predecessor model DT5, the new trains will be made of stainless steel in red and silver. New features include fully glass-designed doors. The 40-meter-long trains will then consist of four instead of the previous three carriages. The shorter train length is optimized for the narrow Hamburg tunnel network. The new trains will also be 10.1 centimeters wider than the old ones, providing more space for passengers.
The U-Bahn will be fit for future mobility
"With this contract, we are laying the foundation for the growth trajectory of Hamburg's U-Bahn for the coming decades," said Transport Senator Tjarks. Currently, there are 290 U-Bahn train cars in operation. "This contract puts Hamburg in a position to increase the number of U-Bahn train cars in Hamburg by up to 50% by 2050." Additionally, the integration of the latest signaling technology on the U5 will enable more efficient communication between the trains, leading to a more punctual and faster train operation.
Alstom Regional President Müslüm Yakisan called the contract a milestone - also for his company. "With the new U-Bahn trains and the outfitting of the fully automatic U5 line with innovative signaling and safety technology, Hamburg will meet the growing mobility demand and set an international signal for digital and green mobility."
The acquisition of new U-Bahn train cars from Alstom will help improve local traffic in Hamburg. The elevated railroad U5 line will be equipped with a system for automatic operation, benefiting from Alstom's innovation. The new train cars will run along with the existing traffic, providing more space for passengers and operating efficiently. The partnership between Hamburg Tramway and Alstom will significantly contribute to Hamburg's future mobility, aiming to increase the number of U-Bahn train cars by 50% by 2050.
