Alstom and HHA signed contract for Type DT6 metro trains and CBTC

On 10 July 2024,  Alstom has signed a framework agreement with Hamburger Hochbahn AG worth up to 2.8 billion EUR for the delivery of up to 374 new metro trains, for fully and semi-automated operation. Alstom will also equip the 25 km long and fully automated new metro line U5 with its CBTC system Urbalis. The first call-off under this framework agreement comprises 48 metro trains and the CBTC equipment for the first section of the U5 line, including five of the 23 new metro stations. The call-off has a volume of around 670 million EUR.

The framework agreement includes 254 semi-automated and 120 fully automated (GoA4) four-car trains. They will score with their high capacity, passenger safety and comfort thanks to modern interior design, digital passenger guidance and USB charging connections. They are to be used on the U5 line, which is currently under construction and will gradually replace the current Type DT4 units and will run semi-automated on parts of the existing network.

The U5 will be fully equipped with the Urbalis signalling solution for driverless operation. This will increase punctuality, frequency and energy efficiency. Once all 23 stations have been completed, the U5 can operate at 90 second intervals. This will enable around 270,000 passengers to be transported on the U5 every day.

The production of the new generation DT6 metros will take place at the Alstom site in Salzgitter and is scheduled to start in 2026, with delivery of the first vehicles planned for early 2028. The start of passenger operation on the first section of the new line U5 is scheduled for 2029. The Alstom site in Berlin is leading project execution of the digital rail segment, including signalling.

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."

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. 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 % 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.”

The DT6 metros for Hamburg are part of Alstom’s market leading Metropolis metro solution. This is a new generation of metro solution which has been developed and adapted to meet the specific needs of its German customer. Metropolis metros are characterised by flexible configurations, low noise levels, high recyclability and optimised energy efficiency. More than 35,000 metro cars have been ordered or are in operation in more than 70 cities in 40 countries. Alstom is the world leader in CBTC systems. The company has been awarded contracts for the installation of over 190 CBTC systems in more than 30 countries. In total, over 2,500 kilometres of track are already successfully in operation.