MVG Class C

MVG Class C

Company type	Electric multiple unit train series
Industry	Rail transport
Founded	2001
Founder	Adtranz/Bombardier (C1 series), Siemens Mobility (C2 series)
Headquarters	Munich , Germany
Products	Electric multiple unit trains for Munich U-Bahn
Parent	Münchner Verkehrsgesellschaft

MVG Class C

The MVG Class C represents an electric multiple unit (EMU) series that has been in operation on Munich's U-Bahn network under the Münchner Verkehrsgesellschaft since 2002. Notably, it was the first rolling stock on the Munich U-Bahn to feature trainsets composed of more than two cars and to include inter-car gangways.

Initially produced by Adtranz/Bombardier (C1 series) and subsequently by Siemens Mobility (C2 series), these trains were designed by Alexander Neumeister. The current fleet consists of 18 C1 trainsets (totaling 108 vehicles) alongside 46 C2 trainsets (276 vehicles), with further C2 units presently being manufactured. Each trainset is formed of six cars, spanning roughly 115 meters in total length, and can carry up to 940 passengers, including 220 seated on the C2 variants.

The vehicles are constructed with welded aluminum bodies and equipped with three pairs of doors on each side. They can reach a top speed of 80 km/h. Propulsion is provided through Siemens IGBT–VVVF inverters, offering power outputs of 2.4 MW for the C1 models and 3.36 MW for the C2 versions. Safety is assured via LZB systems, while braking employs a combination of electric, pneumatic, and spring accumulator technologies.

Replacing the older MVG Class A trains (A2.1 & A2.2), the Class C units improve capacity and passenger movement through their articulated design and updated technological features, specifically tailored to meet Munich’s urban transit requirements.

Design

The original plan called for three-car trainsets but was later altered to a six-car configuration. Both exterior and interior styling were created by Alexander Neumeister. The newer C2 trains, also conceived by Neumeister, have earned several design honors such as the German Design Award, the 2013 Red Dot Design Award, and the Universal Design Consumer Favorite award in 2013.

Formation

Each Class C train consists of six cars linked by gangways that facilitate passenger movement throughout the train. While a minimal formation could consist of two end cars plus one intermediate car, all operational trains run as full six-car sets. At approximately , these are the longest metro trains currently in service across Germany.

Train deliveries were completed in four distinct series:

• C1.9: fleet numbers 601–610, introduced from 2001
• C1.10: fleet numbers 611–618, delivered beginning in 2005
• C2.11: fleet numbers 701–721, starting from 2013
• C2.12: fleet numbers 722–745, commencing in 2019

An additional batch of 22 C2 units is planned for delivery between 2022 and 2024.

C1 series

Car	Mc1	M1	M2	M3	M4	Mc2
Numbering (sets 601–609)	66xx	86xx	865x	875x	87xx	76xx
Numbering (sets 610–618)			866x	876x
Capacity (seated)	38	44	44	44	44	38

• The northern terminus of each trainset is car Mc1, while Mc2 is positioned at the southern end.

Interior

Seating arrangements include longitudinal benches located in the end cars and transverse seating bays within intermediate cars; longitudinal seats are also placed adjacent to gangways. Upholstery is applied exclusively to transverse seats, whereas longitudinal seats feature wooden surfaces. Passenger information is provided via LED displays indicating station names alongside automated audio announcements. The C1 trains can accommodate up to 912 passengers, with seating for 252 and standing room for about 660 individuals. The C2.11 models incorporate LED lighting inside, LCD screens for passenger information, CCTV surveillance cameras, and upholstery on all seats. LED strips along door edges signal door status clearly. These newer trains hold up to 940 passengers, including seating for approximately 220 and standing space for around 720. Some criticism has been directed at ceiling-mounted handrails due to their height being inconvenient for certain passengers.

Technical specifications

The C1 trainsets were produced through a collaboration between Siemens and Adtranz (which later became Bombardier Transportation). Siemens was responsible for the electrical systems, while Adtranz/Bombardier managed the construction of car bodies, bogies, braking systems, and lighting. The car bodies are made from aluminium, and the trains are equipped with IGBT-controlled three-phase electric motors. Each axle is powered by a 100 kW motor, resulting in a total output of 2400 kW per C1 train. In contrast, the C2 trains are entirely manufactured by Siemens, delivering a power capacity of 3360 kW and designed for a maximum operational speed of 80 km/h, with a top design speed of 90 km/h.

History

The initial order for the trains, designated as C1.9, was placed in 1997, with deliveries commencing in 2001. During testing phases, issues with the coupler strength caused delays in certification, necessitating modifications at the Adtranz/Bombardier facility in Berlin. The first units entered active service in 2002. An additional eight C1.10 trainsets were delivered in 2005. In 2010, an order was placed for 21 C2.11 sets, with an option to procure 46 more; this contract, valued at €185 million, represented the largest rolling stock acquisition in the history of the Munich U-Bahn. The inaugural painted bodyshell was presented at Siemens’ Vienna plant on 5 October 2012.

Although initially scheduled to enter service in 2013, approval from the Technical Authority of Oberbayern was postponed due to problems related to door mechanisms and loading gauge compliance. The first C2 trains commenced passenger operations on 17 June 2016 along line U6 between Kieferngarten and Garching-Forschungszentrum stations. Under provisional authorization valid until April 2018, they operated across the entire U6 line. On 14 June 2018, approval was extended to include line U3; set number 716 became the first C2 unit to run on this route.

The final C2.11 trainset was delivered on 9 November 2018. Subsequently, a further batch of 24 C2 units arrived in June 2019, with plans for them to enter service by 2020 and complete deliveries by 2022. The initial C2.12 series trains received operational clearance on 5 May 2020. Service introduction of C2 trains on line U1 occurred on 18 August 2021.

Incidents and accidents

• On 7 May 2015, C1 set number 618 collided with a buffer stop at Feldmoching station due to operator error. The train was out of revenue service and carried only the driver, who experienced shock but no physical injuries. Significant structural damage affected the front and adjacent cars; consequently, set 618 was removed from service for repairs but was ultimately scrapped.
• On 28 September 2015, a C1 unit experienced a breakdown south of Holzapfelkreuth station. Another train pushed it into a siding at Klinikum Großhadern station; during this movement, the coupling between two cars failed, damaging the inter-car gangway. Investigation revealed that inadequate screw fastening during maintenance by an external contractor caused the failure. Following this event, six trains were temporarily withdrawn for thorough inspection.
• In September 2017, all C2 trains were taken out of service temporarily after electric flashover incidents occurred at the contact shoe assemblies.

External links

• MVG fleet information (in German)