BERLIN (dpa-AFX) – The Berlin transport company wants to order more new subways in the spring. BVG boss Henrik Falk told the “Tagesspiegel”. “It’s not about buying as many vehicles as quickly as possible, but rather the right number at the right time,” said Falk. “Further orders are planned for next spring.” The company is in discussions with the manufacturer Stadler about this.
There are two different subway models in Berlin. So-called small-profile trains run on the U1 to U4 lines, and the so-called large-profile trains run on the other lines. The two different profiles are needed because the tunnels are different sizes.
Falk did not say which model the new orders would refer to. “One thing is clear: we are definitely not running into the next subway crisis because we are not ordering enough vehicles,” explained the BVG boss.
Stadler is currently delivering new small profile wagons from the JK series every week. So far they are only used on the U2 line. The large-profile J series is scheduled to go into passenger service from spring. A total of 484 cars from the two sister series have currently been ordered, but a framework agreement between BVG and Stadler provides for significantly more cars.
According to Falk, staffing levels in the bus sector are “balanced”
According to Falk, the introduction of new vehicles into the fleet is one of the most important points in order to make the BVG more reliable for passengers. In addition, there must be enough staff on board and infrastructure must be renovated or built.
When it comes to personnel, Falk sees the transport company in a better position than it was a few months ago. “We currently have a balanced staffing level for bus drivers. We have filled all the positions that we need to fill,” he told the “Tagesspiegel”. There is still a “slight underfunding” in the subway area. “That’s why we have significantly increased the capacity in train driver training. The staffing level is expected to be sustainably balanced from the middle of next year,” announced Falk./nif/DP/zb