Completion of Germany’s RUBIN metro project in Nuremberg, the first in the world to propose shared-track use by an automated and a conventional driver-operated subway system, has been delayed for at least 12 months. The first phase of a new fully automated metro line 3 (3.8 miles, with nine stations) in the city’s U-Bahn was originally planned to open for fare-paying passengers in time for the 2006 FIFA World Cup soccer event in June. However, in March the supplier, Siemens Transportation Systems, announced that they needed an additional 12 to 15 months for further development and testing of the system. The RUBIN (Realisierung einer automatisierten U-Bahn in Nurnberg) project is led by Verkehrs-Aktiengellschaft (VAG), the operator of the Nuremberg U-Bahn, on behalf of the city of Nuremberg. It includes new automated sections of route and conversion of an existing line from conventional to driverless operation. Once fully implemented, lines 2 and 3 of Nuremberg’s U-Bahn system will be automated. The first-phase sections of the newly constructed line 3, with an estimated cost of $402 million, are now expected to begin service in the fall of 2007. Siemens, awarded the contract in 2001, will also supply 30 two-car DT3-type metro trains for driverless operation, at a cost of $140 million. The most difficult challenge faced by VAG is designing and building a system for mixed operations during the introductory period along the section of route below the city center between Rothenburger Strasse and Rathenauplatz shared by lines 2 and 3. Despite this challenge, converting to an automated subway system will greatly increase capacity because of the ability to operate within shorter headways.
Germany's automated metro project delayed
The metro project in Nuremberg, the first in the world to propose shared-track use by an automated and a conventional driver-operated subway system, has been delayed for at least 12 months.
More Management

Inez Evans Benson on Rethinking Transit Through Customer Experience
The WSP leader discusses why agencies must look beyond satisfaction metrics and take a more holistic, community-driven approach to service.
Read More →
Alstom Delivers First Multilevel III NJ TRANSIT Commuter Railcar
The delivery marks the first car in a 374‑vehicle order and begins the arrival of a new generation of higher‑capacity, more reliable, and more comfortable trains for one of the country’s busiest commuter rail systems.
Read More →
Cincinnati Metro Begins Countywide Bus Stop Sign Upgrade
Metro launches a 24-month project to replace 3,700 bus stop signs, introducing improved visibility, QR-enabled rider info, and expanded amenities across Hamilton County.
Read More →
San Francisco's BART Breaks Multiple Records for Post-Pandemic Ridership in March
BART recorded 5,403,140 exits in March, making it the highest monthly ridership since the pandemic and surpassing the previous high set in October 2025 (5,346,890 exits).
Read More →
Transit Leader Rod Diridon Sr., ‘Father of Modern Transit’ in Silicon Valley, Dies at 87
See how the longtime public servant and transportation visionary helped shape Bay Area transit systems and championed rail development nationwide.
Read More →
Intercity Bus Industry Outlook: A Mix of Apprehension & Optimism
Industry leaders see both promise and peril ahead as intercity bus travel rebounds, but unpredictable market forces threaten to reshape the sector.
Read More →
Philadelphia's SEPTA Celebrates New Ardmore Station
The station was rebuilt as part of SEPTA’s Station Accessibility Program, making it fully ADA accessible with new elevators, ramps, and high-level platforms.
Read More →
SEPTA Releases Proposed $2.7B Fiscal Year 2027 Budget
The plan represents an increase of just 1.9% over the current year, and includes investments in new buses, more full-length fare gates, and other enhancements for customers.
Read More →
Metra Reaches New 10-Year Agreement with BNSF
The announcement highlights the long-standing partnership between the Class I railroad and the commuter rail system, dating back to Metra's creation in 1983.
Read More →
Bus Tech Talk: AC Transit’s Cecil Blandon on Leadership, Mentorship, and a Career in Transit
In Part 1, Blandon shares his journey from the U.S. Marines to a leadership role in public transit, along with insights on mentorship and professional growth within the industry.
Read More →
