Alstom and Hamburger Hochbahn Seal €2.8 Billion Deal for New Metro Trains and Advanced Signaling Systems

Thursday, July 11, 2024

Alstom, a pioneering firm in intelligent and green transportation solutions, has entered into a strategic framework agreement valued at up to €2.8 billion with Hamburger Hochbahn AG. This expansive contract entails the supply of as many as 374 innovative metro trains designed for both fully and semi-automated operations. Moreover, Alstom is set to outfit the new 25 km long, fully automated metro line U5 with its cutting-edge, train-focused CBTC system called Urbalis. The initial procurement under this agreement includes 48 metro trains and CBTC systems for the initial segment of the U5 line, covering five out of the planned 23 stations, at a cost of approximately €670 million.

The agreement stipulates the provision of 254 semi-automated and 120 fully automated (GoA4) metro trains, each comprising four carriages. These trains are renowned for their large capacity, enhanced passenger safety, and comfort, featuring contemporary interior designs, digital routing aids, and USB charging ports. The fully automated trains will operate on the U5 line, which is under development, while the semi-automated trains will phase out existing DT4 models and serve parts of the current network.

The entire U5 line will be equipped with Alstom’s advanced Urbalis signaling system for unmanned operation, improving timeliness, frequency, and energy efficiency. Upon completion of all 23 stations, the U5 will facilitate operations at 90-second intervals, transporting approximately 270,000 passengers daily, swiftly and securely.

Production of the next-gen DT6 metro trains is scheduled to commence in 2026 at Alstom’s facility in Salzgitter, Germany, with the first set of trains expected to be delivered by early 2028. Passenger services on the first segment of the U5 line are planned to start in 2029, with the Alstom center in Berlin, Germany, overseeing the execution of the digital rail component, including signaling systems.

Müslüm Yakisan, President DACH region at Alstom: “This contract is a milestone for Alstom. With the new metro trains and the equipping of the fully automated U5 line with innovative control and safety technology, Hamburg is meeting the growing demand for mobility and sending an international signal for digital and green mobility. All of Hamburg’s metro trains are from Alstom and we are delighted to be able to continue our successful collaboration with Hamburger Hochbahn, which goes back over 60 years. Passengers can look forward to new metro trains with modern passenger information systems, air conditioning, USB charging stations and panoramic windows.”

Robert Henrich, CEO of Hamburger Hochbahn AG: “With the new vehicles, we are modernising our fleet and creating the conditions for fully automatic operation on the U5. The new DT6 will offer customers a completely new experience – from the interior design, transparency and brightness to the modern information systems that provide passengers with optimum orientation. All to the highest technical standard. At the same time, the new subway trains will shape Hamburg’s cityscape like no other vehicle.”

Anjes Tjarks, Senator for Transport and Mobility Transition: “We are securing the future viability of our city with major investments in the expansion of the rail network and in intelligent and efficient transport systems. With the new trains from Alstom, we are bringing more comfort, more space, service and safety to Hamburg’s public transport system and creating a modern, attractive mobility offering for people. As a result, up to 374 new fully and semi-automatic vehicles will be deployed in the city, the first 48 of which will go into operation in the foreseeable future. With this contract, we are laying the foundation for the growth of the Hamburg subway in the coming decades. At the end of 2018, Hochbahn had around 250 vehicles in operation, currently there are 290. The contract will enable Hamburg to increase the number of subway trains in Hamburg by around 50 percent by 2050. In addition, the integration of state-of-the-art signalling technology on the U5 will enable more efficient communication between trains, resulting in more punctual and faster service. This is a real quantum leap for the mobility transition and sustainable transportation.”

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