The Dortmund Stadtbahn, known locally as Stadtbahn Dortmund, is a fascinating and efficient urban transit system that serves the bustling city of Dortmund in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. This extensive network, which is part of the larger Stadtbahn Rhein-Ruhr system, is operated by the Dortmunder Stadtwerke (DSW21) and offers a seamless blend of modernity and historical charm, making it a vital part of the city's public transportation landscape.
The origins of the Dortmund Stadtbahn can be traced back to the mid-20th century. The system officially commenced operations on May 15, 1976, with a 4.1-kilometer-long rapid tram section between Kirchderne and Grevel, initially served by tram line 2, which later evolved into the U42 line. However, the groundwork for this modern transit system was laid much earlier. As far back as April 30, 1959, a section from Markgrafenstraße to Hacheney was inaugurated as a grade-separated rapid tramway, setting the stage for the future Stadtbahn.
In 1967, Dortmund opened its first underground station, Westfalenhalle, which at the time was a modestly designed tram stop. This development was part of a broader plan to expand the tram network, focusing on the main road axes that had emerged in the post-war period. The first major tunnel section, located in the Hörde district, began operations on May 27, 1983, and was initially used by tram lines 401 and 406 until the official launch of the Stadtbahn on June 2, 1984, with the U41 line.
The Dortmund Stadtbahn network spans 75 kilometers, with 20.5 kilometers of that distance running through tunnels. The system comprises eight lines, with 125 stations in total, 98 of which are above ground and 27 underground. The network is organized into three main trunk routes that intersect in the city center, forming a triangular pattern. The key interchange stations are Kampstraße, Reinoldikirche, and Stadtgarten, the latter of which also houses the operations control center.
The most recent addition to the network is the East-West line, also known as Trunk Route III, which officially opened for service on April 27, 2008, replacing the former tram lines 403 and 404. This route is served by the modern NGT8 Stadtbahn vehicles, offering a smooth and comfortable ride for passengers.
The Dortmund Stadtbahn operates eight main lines that run daily, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the city and its suburbs. These lines are:
Additionally, there are two supplementary lines, U45 and U46, which operate during events at the Westfalenstadion or Westfalenhallen, providing extra capacity to accommodate the influx of passengers.
The trains generally run at 10-minute intervals, with a 20-minute interval for the Brambauer route. During evenings and on Sundays, the frequency is reduced to 15 minutes, with the Brambauer route running every 30 minutes. On special occasions, such as Borussia Dortmund football matches, the service frequency increases to every 5 minutes, ensuring that fans can travel to and from the stadium with ease.
One of the unique aspects of the Dortmund Stadtbahn is the non-passenger operational route that connects the Hafen and Insterburger Straße stations on the U47 line to the DSW depot in Dorstfeld. This route, which has been in use since 1993, was initially intended to connect to the Deutsche Bahn's S-Bahn line S2 for the delivery of rail vehicles and construction materials.
Another interesting feature is the historical operation of vintage trams, which took place on the city's tram and Stadtbahn network until April 26, 2008. These nostalgic rides, organized by the Historical Association of the Dortmunder Stadtwerke AG, provided a charming glimpse into the past, with the last of these vehicles now housed in the Dortmund Transport Museum.
The Dortmund Stadtbahn is continually evolving to meet the needs of its passengers. In December 2013, DSW21 announced a comprehensive modernization plan for all high-floor vehicles, with the refurbishment process set to begin in 2021. Additionally, 20 to 26 new high-floor vehicles were ordered, with the first of these new B80D type vehicles arriving in late 2022. These new trains feature a kneeling mechanism that lowers the floor by three centimeters, ensuring barrier-free access for all passengers.
The modernization of the existing fleet is expected to be completed by 2031, ensuring that the Dortmund Stadtbahn remains a state-of-the-art transit system for years to come.
The Dortmund Stadtbahn is more than just a means of transportation; it is a vital part of the city's fabric, connecting people and places with efficiency and style. Whether you're a daily commuter or a curious tourist, the Stadtbahn offers a convenient and enjoyable way to explore Dortmund. With its rich history, extensive network, and ongoing modernization efforts, the Dortmund Stadtbahn is poised to continue serving the city with distinction, making it an essential experience for anyone visiting this vibrant German metropolis.
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