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Frankfurt Sets Night U4 Trials for Hybrid Train Control, Eyes 2027 Launch on U4/U5

The program promises up to 30% more capacity through a CBTC‑plus‑C‑ITS design that enables semi‑automatic operation in tunnels.

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Overview

  • VGF will run on‑network test runs that halt U4 service from Sunday, September 28, to Wednesday, October 1, between 23:00 and 03:00.
  • The Siemens package is priced at about €230 million with roughly half funded by federal and state sources, and VGF cites a total investment exceeding €200 million.
  • Siemens and VGF describe the project as a first to combine tunnel‑grade CBTC with surface‑oriented C‑ITS, with drivers still controlling aboveground sections.
  • Equipment has been installed in the tunnel between Bockenheimer Warte and Seckbacher Landstraße and converted trains are undergoing trials on a test ring.
  • Passenger‑free tests are slated from January 2026, regular semi‑automatic operation is targeted for 2027 on U4 and U5, and local reporting flags reliance on WLAN and GPS as operational risks under cybersecurity oversight.