Hamburg's rapid transit railway is experimenting with shorter tunnel dimensions for subway cars
The city of Hamburg is set to revolutionise its U-Bahn system with the introduction of a new technology called CBTC (Communications-Based Train Control), a development that is reportedly new to Germany. This modernisation project, known as "U-Bahn100", is overseen by the Hamburger Hochbahn AG and is scheduled for completion by 2029.
Karl-Peter Naumann, spokesperson for Pro Bahn Schleswig-Holstein and Hamburg, has confirmed that the new system is certainly safe. He also stated that the change requires modernization work, which has already begun.
Hochbahn, the U-Bahn operator, has been testing its trains' ability to run at closer intervals using the train safety system CBTC. The first public test run of CBTC on a trial track by Hochbahn showed the system works perfectly, according to Technical Director Jens-Günter Lang.
Currently, U-Bahn trains run at fixed intervals in Hamburg. With the implementation of CBTC, each U-Bahn train in the future will continuously transmit its position and speed to the guidance system, allowing for more trains to run simultaneously on the track while maintaining the same safety standard.
The Hamburg Transportation Railway News (EVN) plans to implement a 100-second interval for the U2 and U4 lines by the end of 2027. The section between Christuskirche and Horner Geest (U2, U4) is scheduled for deployment in Q4 2027, while the U4 section between Jungfernstieg and Elbbrücken will be the first to receive the CBTC system in Q4 2026.
In addition to these, Hochbahn plans to gradually introduce the CBTC system in four stages, starting in Q4 2026. An extension to the U2 section between Horner Rennbahn and Mümmelmannsberg is planned for Q4 2029.
The change is expected to significantly improve the frequency of U-Bahn services in Hamburg. Hochbahn is investing around 200 million euros in the "U-Bahn100" project for the modernization of trains, stations, and tracks.
The German Press Agency was informed about the new system by Karl-Peter Naumann. He also mentioned that a train must maintain sufficient distance from the preceding train to allow braking, a requirement that the CBTC system ensures. The implementation of CBTC aims to increase the capacity of the U-Bahn system while maintaining the highest safety standards.
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