2. Operation

Each operation was a great success. In Karlsruhe, the increase in ridership after switching from the traditional TER to the tram-train was as high as 400%. Despite the lower top speed of tram-train trains (100 km/h) compared with the capabilities of a powerful DB tractor unit, the attractiveness of Karlsruhe's tram-train network is due to the following facts:

• no load interruption at the central station, since the tram-train connects to the urban network and serves the city center directly;

• 15 to 20-minute interval service and late service (2 a.m.) on Saturday and Sunday evenings;

• more stops near schools, businesses, etc., with commercial speeds equal to, or even higher than, those of conventional TERs, thanks to much better starting and braking performance and reduced stopping...