HÜBNER High-Speed Gangways: Enhancing Passenger Comfort and Safety

Since the 1990s, the HÜBNER Group has been instrumental in the development of high-speed trains in Germany, providing gangway systems for the Deutsche Bahn ICE trains. Drawing on experience from the first four ICE generations, HÜBNER aims to contribute to the fifth generation due in the early 2030s. Besides the ICE series, the company has also developed high-speed gangways for the Hitachi ETR 1000 series and Alstom’s “Zefiro Express”.Once again, HÜBNER was one of the pioneers: the German market leader was the first company in China to develop gangway technologies for the high-speed sector - an important milestone for the expansion of the Chinese railway network. Today, HÜBNER gangways are used in high-speed trains all over the world. “With our gangway systems, we have been shaping the development of high-speed rail transport for 35 years, not only in Germany but all over the world,” emphasises Kai Mentel, Managing Director of HÜBNER Group.

Aerodynamic and robust

Gangway systems face the challenge of withstanding high speeds while maintaining optimal aerodynamics and low weight. They must be highly pressure-tight due to exposure to enormous pressure surges, especially in tunnels and junctions. “We guarantee that our systems meet all these requirements and are constantly looking for innovative technologies in terms of aerodynamics and sustainability,” says Christian Bischof, Vice President Technology & Projects of HÜBNER Group. The fairing technology, used in Hitachi’s ETR1000, is one example of these innovations. The system consists of specially designed folding bellows precisely shaped to fit the vehicle contour, thus improving aerodynamics and energy efficiency.

Setting standards in sustainability

HÜBNER takes a holistic approach to sustainability, including the development and maintenance of gangway systems. Lightweight construction and high aerodynamics help to improve the energy efficiency of vehicles and thus optimise the ecological footprint of customers. As the gangways are among the most heavily used components of a train they usually have to be replaced after approximately 15 years. HÜBNER has adopted a particularly sustainable refurbishment strategy, replacing only necessary parts to minimize waste.With the further development of the process, HÜBNER is able to offer sustainable refurbishment not only for its own gangway systems, but also for those of competitors.

HÜBNER Group at the InnoTrans 2024

A special highlight at InnoTrans 2024 is the HÜBNER AutoCouple system, which will allow for efficient, fully automatic coupling and uncoupling of passenger train gangway systems. It will enable operators to flexibly adapt capacity to current demand, with a positive impact on the energy balance. “We want to continue to be an innovation driver in the field of gangway systems - with a clear focus on sustainability. To emphasise this, we have a real eye-catcher in store for InnoTrans 2024. We look forward to welcoming all customers, visitors and interested parties and are sure that they will be amazed!”, says Mentel.

In Hall 1.2, Booth 120, the HÜBNER Group will be presenting numerous products and innovations that contribute to making public transport by rail more sustainable, efficient and reliable. More information about the HÜBNER Group's exhibits is also available online:

https://www.hubner-group.com/en/innotrans