Berlin's Urbanliner tram debuts to ease M4 line congestion this summer

Berlin’s public transport network is set for an upgrade this summer with the arrival of the Urbanliner tram. The new model promises to ease pressure on the busy M4 line, offering more space for passengers and improved efficiency. Minor adjustments will be needed before it can fully enter service.

The Urbanliner tram, built by Alstom, can carry up to 312 passengers, with 92 seats available. Regulators based their structural load calculations on a maximum density of 6.7 people per square metre. This capacity boost aims to reduce overcrowding on the M4 route.

BVG has already taken delivery of five trams, with 15 more expected by the end of the year. The full fleet of 30 should be operational by 2028. Once complete, the Urbanliner could take over all M4 services, replacing older models. Before that happens, some construction work is required to adapt the M4 line for the new trams. The estimated cost for these changes is around €150,000. BVG CEO Henrik Falk admitted the company was responsible for delays in the project. Looking ahead, BVG is exploring other routes for the Urbanliner. Priority will likely go to tram lines marked with an 'M', which serve key areas of the city.

The Urbanliner’s arrival marks a step forward for Berlin’s tram network. With a larger capacity and a growing fleet, it should help reduce congestion on the M4 line. Further expansions could follow as BVG assesses additional routes for the new trams.