VAG Class DT3

Every DT3 train consists of two permanently coupled cars, forming a twin-unit. The cars are connected with a gangway, allowing passengers to walk into the adjacent car. The trains are equipped with automatic couplers, enabling operation of up to two units together to form a four-car train. ==Interior==

Seating accommodation consists of transverse seating bays as well as folding seats. The trains have displays which show the name of the next station, and CCTV cameras. Nürnberg DT3 innen.JPG|Interior view ==Technical specifications==

The car bodies are made out of aluminium, and the trains are powered by three-phase-asynchronous motors. The DT3-F trains are equipped with full driving cabs, enabling them to be used on driver operated services on non-automated lines. The cabs are designed to be removed in case of a conversion for fully automated operation. Besides the power supply by contact shoes, every unit is also equipped with a pantograph, as parts of the maintenance facilities are electrified with overhead lines. ==History==

The first unit was delivered in April 2004 as part of the "Rubin" project, which planned to introduce fully automated trains on the Nuremberg U-Bahn. Automated test running on line U3 began in January 2005. Originally scheduled for 2006, the official launch of driverless operation had to be pushed back to 2008 due to technical difficulties and mechanical problems, which resulted in the return of two prototype DT3 sets to the supplier Siemens. Fully automatic trial runs on line U2 began on January 13, 2009, while the trains were already in automatic revenue service on line U3. DT3-F A second batch of 14 DT3 trains was ordered in 2008. These units, classified as DT3-F, feature a full control cab for manual operation, but also can be operated fully automatic. The "F" in the designation indicates the option of manual operation and means "Fahrer" (German for "driver"). ==See also==