BVG Class H
| Company type | Electric multiple unit |
|---|---|
| Industry | Rail transport |
| Predecessor | D, DL, and E series trains |
| Founded | 1996 |
| Headquarters | Berlin , Germany |
Area served | Berlin U-Bahn |
| Products | Wide-profile electric multiple units with open gangways |
| Parent | Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) |
The BVG Class H represents an electric multiple unit utilized within the Berlin U-Bahn, the rapid transit network serving Berlin. Launched in 1996, it marked the first wide-profile train design introduced after the fall of the Berlin Wall and was notable for permitting passengers to move freely throughout the entire train without compartmental separation.
History
In the aftermath of German reunification, the Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) recognized the necessity for additional rolling stock and a standardized model suitable for both East and West. To succeed the older D, DL, and E series, BVG originally placed an order for 115 units in 1992, which was later scaled down to 26 with plans for 20 more. Testing commenced in 1996, followed by full-scale production starting in 1997.
Features
Distinct from other wide-profile trains, the Class H employs exclusively longitudinal seating, a configuration more common in small-profile models. It was also the inaugural Berlin train to incorporate open gangways, allowing uninterrupted passenger movement across all cars. The interior design predominantly features white and yellow hues.
The BVG Class H was a pioneer in introducing automatic announcements for upcoming stations alongside visual LED displays indicating the next stop on the Berlin U-Bahn. During the 2000s, interior LCD screens for advertising were installed; from the 2010s onward, the left screen began showing next station information. This innovation has since been implemented throughout most of the Berlin U-Bahn fleet, with the exception of BVG Class HK trains.
Different batches of the H class were assigned specific designations: prototypes were labeled H95, while later production runs were named H97 and H01. Individual units bear serial numbers formatted as 5xxx. The trains were commissioned from and built by Adtranz, ABB Henschel, and Bombardier.