The "Urbanliner" is scheduled to begin service on the M4 line in mid-July. (File photo)
© dpa
After several years of delays and regulatory approval issues, the new 50-meter tram operated by Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) is scheduled to begin service in mid-July.
"The relevant Technical Supervisory Authority (TAB) has issued the operating permit for the first vehicle," the BVG announced. This means operations can begin. The first test and training runs with the so-called Urbanliner are scheduled to begin next Wednesday.
The vehicle is scheduled to be deployed on the M4 tram line, which runs between Hackescher Markt and Hohenschönhausen or Falkenberg. Meanwhile, the BVG further announced that the approval process for additional trams is moving forward. According to the information provided, the fleet on the M4 is expected to grow to around 15 vehicles by the end of this year and double from that base by 2028. By then, the BVG could operate all service on the M4 with the Urbanliner. The Urbanliner, manufactured by Alstom, can accommodate 312 passengers (92 seats).