Stadler Deutschland GmbH has awarded Westermo the contract to supply data communications technology for a new fleet of trains for the Berlin U-bahn metro in Germany. The data networks will support mission-critical systems on-board the two- and four-carriage trains, including the train control and management system (TCMS) and systems that ensure passenger comfort and safety.

The contract, worth more than 5 million euros, includes data communication technology for 606 cars, with an option on an additional 894 cars. Westermo will provide up to 8,500 of its compact Viper Ethernet switches to manage data networks on the BVG J/JK-series underground rail carriages, The new carriages are designed to be very energy efficient, produce less noise and provide greater passenger comfort. Delivery of the Westermo products will commence at the beginning of 2022 and continue over a five-year period.

“Stadler and Westermo share a long-term relationship of very successful collaboration. We are happy to continue this with the new metro-trains from BVG for Berlin City,” says Alexander Höfling, Head of Procurement, Stadler Germany.

“Westermo has many years’ experience of successfully providing data communication technologies in mission-critical on-board rail applications,” says Jenny Sjödahl, CEO of Westermo. “One of our major strengths is our ability to provide networking solutions suitable for both train management applications and systems for enhancing passenger experience – which was a key requirement for this project.”