We move Berlin: the 481 series for the S-Bahn Berlin.

S-Bahn Berlin

Berlin’s S-Bahn has been the backbone of the city’s public transport system for over 80 years. Deutsche Bahn decided to buy 500 new trains in 1992. By 1994, Bombardier Transportation and S-Berlin GmbH had created a new generation of vehicles to replace the trains, some of which still dated from the 1920s and 1930s. 100 quarter trains were ordered – with an option for a further 400. PCS, then still Fahrzeugstechnik Berlin GmbH, now PowerTech Converter GmbH, was commissioned to develop and supply more than 40 components: The complete auxiliary equipment including air conditioning and lighting for the cab. New approaches to power electronics were taken here for the first time, computer-aided control technology was used and comprehensive diagnostic technology was developed.

The series officially launched on the Berlin S-Bahn network in 1996. As feedback from passengers was good, the S-Bahn exercised its option for the remaining 400 quarter trains. Over the years, this 481 series has proved to be the series with the highest availability of all new DB vehicles, at over 99%. Further improvements were continuously jointly made with the customer, including modifications to hardware and software, all measures were supervised by an on-site service team. The Deutsche Bahn Management Board and the Bombardier Transportation management judged the overall process to be a positive example of cooperation. Short repair times and a reliable supply of spare parts following the end of delivery or warranty also contributed to high customer satisfaction.

The handover of the 500th train in August 2004 coincided with the 80th anniversary of the Berlin S-Bahn. In other words, we have written a piece of Berlin S-Bahn history. We are a little bit proud of that.