Stadler METRO

Stadler METRO is an electric multiple unit and battery electric multiple unit train made by Stadler Rail for use on heavy and light railways. They are currently used on Berlin U-Bahn as BVG Class IK, on Minsk Metro as M110/M111 series, on Glasgow Subway as the G3 stock, on Merseyrail services in Merseyside as the Class 777 and on the Tyne and Wear Metro as the Class 555s. They will soon be used on the MARTA subway system of Atlanta, Georgia as the CQ400s, and on the Lisbon Metro as the ML 20 and ML 24 series.

Specification

METRO trains are a fully customizable electric multiple unit train, primarily for urban rapid transit systems, that can be built from two to ten cars, and can accommodate up to 900 passengers.

The trains are fully electric, either using third rail, pantograph, or batteries for power, however only two of the three options can be picked due to space limitations on the trains.

The battery variation of the train can do between 20 and 55 km (12 and 34 miles) without charging, and can be recharged in less than 15 minutes.

While most variants have interior and exterior similarities, such as automatic sliding steps to allow for step free access, a majority of the features on each train are completely customizable to fit the demands and needs of the customer.

Operators

Belarus

In 2016, the Minsk Metro placed an order for 10 units containing six four-car and four five-car trainsets that will replace older rolling stock.

Germany

In August 2011, BVG placed an order with Stadler for 40 four-car units in the form of the BVG Class IK for the small-profile network of the Berlin U-Bahn In August 2015, the first two units arrived and were put into passenger service as prototypes. Upon a successful trial phase, the other 38 units where delivered and put in service.

Stadler are also working on other trains for the BVG in the form of the BVG Class J and JK, which will be a mixture of two- and four-car units. Stadler state they are making 376 cars as two or four car units for the network.

Italy

In 2021, Stadler signed a contract with Ente Autonomo Volturno to supply and maintain up to 40 units.

Portugal

In 2021, Stadler won a contract to supply 14 three-car trains for Lisbon Metro. They are designated as the ML 20 series. The first train was delivered on 9 August 2024 and is planned to enter service in January 2025.

In October 2024, Lisbon Metro again signed a contract with Stadler, this time for the supply of 24 three-car trains with an option for 12 more, designated as the ML 24 series.

Spain

Between 2007 and 2013, Metrovalencia, operated by Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat Valenciana, received Series 4300 trains manufactured by Vossloh. Following the purchase of Vossloh's factory in Valencia by Stadler, the trains have been part of the METRO range.

In 2017, Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya placed an order for 15 METRO units for use on the Barcelona–Vallès Line. The four-car trains are 80 m long and designated class 115. The first train entered service in March 2022.

United States

In March 2019, MARTA rail placed an order for 127 units. Designated CQ400, they are due to be delivered and starting services in 2025.

United Kingdom

In 2016, Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) placed an order worth £280 million for Glasgow Subway G3 stock trains, and general railway modernisations with Stadler and Ansaldo STS. These trains have provisions to become driverless.

In December 2016, Merseytravel placed an order with Stadler for 52 units, later increasing this to 53, in the form of British Rail Class 777. On 23 January 2023, the units began passenger service; however, the rollout has not completed due to teething issues. As of August 2024, the rollout is in its final phase. Throughout the rollout of the Class 777 units Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram has criticised Stadler and requested compensation for the "frustratingly poor" roll-out of the trains.

In January 2020, Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive (Nexus) placed an order for 42 units, later increasing this to 46 to cope with expected passenger demands. The Metro's Class 555 had similar issues to Merseyrail's Class 777, with Nexus fining Stadler £1.4 million for "underperformance". The first of the class was introduced on 18 December 2024.

Fleet details