Booth 2077
ULTIMATE Kneeling System for step-free boarding
A first-of-its-kind solution designed to make boarding easier for everyone.
How do you make low-floor boarding truly step-free?
At APTA 2026 TRANSform & EXPO, ULTIMATE will present a new solution to one of the remaining challenges in accessible public transportation: the ULTIMATE Kneeling System.
Developed and tested in Helsinki, the system precisely lowers the vehicle floor to platform level, creating an almost seamless, step-free transition between the platform and the vehicle.
Fewer barriers. More independence. Greater comfort.
See how the ULTIMATE Kneeling System works at APTA and talk with our experts about what it could mean for your vehicles and future projects.
Sustainable solutions for mobility
With approximately 1,800 employees and locations across Europe and the U.S., the ULTIMATE Group delivers certified solutions for rail vehicles and buses – from gangways and automatic door systems to interior solutions.
By bringing these product areas together under one roof – supported by our in-house engineering and development capabilities – we can respond flexibly to customer requirements and deliver integrated solutions from a single source.
From development and consulting to delivery and service, we support customers worldwide.
Lowering the vehicle to platform level
ULTIMATE Kneeling System
Low-floor vehicles have made public transportation significantly more accessible. One challenge remains: even a small vertical difference between the vehicle floor and the platform can create a tripping hazard and present a barrier for wheelchair users, passengers with strollers, and people with limited mobility.
That’s exactly where the ULTIMATE Kneeling System comes in.
Using hydraulic cylinders, sensors, and intelligent control technology, the system precisely lowers the vehicle floor to platform level. The result is a level, step-free transition – without an additional ramp or manual assistance.
The difference can be just a few centimeters.
For passengers, those few centimeters can make all the difference.
Key benefits at a glance
- Step-free boarding and alighting
- Greater independence for passengers
- No additional ramp required
- No manual assistance required
- Intelligent control system and precise sensor technology
Discover more at APTA
Solutions for tomorrow’s mobility
Alongside the ULTIMATE Kneeling System, we will present additional solutions and concepts for modern rail vehicles – from doors and interior components to our sleeping capsule concept.
At our booth, dedicated videos will give you a closer look and show how these solutions can enhance accessibility, comfort and the passenger experience.
DOORS
Our rail vehicle door systems combine reliable performance with solutions tailored to your specific requirements.
GANGWAYS
Whether your priority is flexibility or stability, we tailor the right gangway solution to your requirements.
INTERIORS
From individual components to complete interior solutions, we develop rail vehicle interiors tailored to your requirements.
Moving the world forward. Together.
Global Experience. Proven Expertise.
Our products and systems are in service around the world, including across North America. These selected reference projects show the breadth of our capabilities.
Doors
Siemens
Cleveland
- Type: plug sliding door + trap door
- 1220 mm free width
- Train speed: 80 km/h
- Quantity: 240 pcs. (double-leaf)
- In Operation: USA
- Delivery period: 07/25 – 09/26
CAF
Omaha
- Type: plug sliding door
- 1550 mm free width
- Train speed: 80 km/h
- Quantity: 24 pcs. (double-leaf) + 24 (single-leaf)
- In Operation: USA
- Delivery period: 03/26 – 07/26
CAF, Spain
LRV Calgary
- Type: double plug sliding door + single plug sliding door
- 1300 mm free width (double plug sliding door)
- 805 mm free width (single plug sliding door)
- Train speed: 80 km/h
- Quantity: 336 pcs. + 112 pcs.
- In Operation: Canada
- Delivery period: 09/24 – 03/27
Gangways
Siemens
Xpress West
- Type: Non Articulated
- Train speed: 350 km/h
- Quantity: 60 pcs.
- In Operation: America
- Delivery period: 03/26 – 12/26
Interiors
Stadler
UTA Trax
- Car end panelling
- Roof covers
- Partition walls
- Train speed: 100 km/h
- Quantity: 40 Trainsets
- In Operation: USA
- Delivery period: 01/27 – 08/28
Siemens
Xpress West
- Car end panelling
- Train speed: 350 km/h
- Quantity: 10 Trainsets
- In Operation: USA
- Delivery period: 03/26 – 12/26
Stadler US Inc.
US – Flirt Caltrans
- Luggage racks
- Quantity: 10 Trainsets
- In Operation: USA
- Delivery period: 10/26 – 10/27
Stadler
US – Flirt Metra
- Luggage racks
- Quantity: 207 pcs.
- In Operation: USA
- Delivery period: 10/26 – /26
Hitachi Rail, Italy
Metro Baltimore
- Total interior
- Quantity: 39 married pair
- In Operation: USA
- Delivery period: 05/19 – 12/26
Meet the team
The people behind our solutions
Technology makes a difference when practical experience, technical expertise, and new ideas come together.
Meet some of our experts at APTA. They’ll be happy to walk you through our solutions and discuss your current or upcoming projects.
Manfred Teufl
President | Shareholder | ULTIMATE Transportation Equipment Inc.
Wolfgang Gruber
Deputy General Manager | ULTIMATE Europe
Roland Nenning
Head of Sales | ULTIMATE Europe
Michael Herleth
Sales Manager Interiors | ULTIMATE Europe
Lukas Pils
Lead Engineering | USA
Let’s meet in Chicago
Schedule a meeting with ULTIMATE
Want to learn more about the ULTIMATE Kneeling System, explore our other solutions, or discuss a specific project with our experts?
Schedule a meeting with us at APTA 2026 TRANSform & EXPO and make the most of your time in Chicago.
October 4–7, 2026
Booth 2077
Schedule a meeting
We look forward to meeting you in Chicago.