- Enhancing staability, purity, and safety in the supply chain, as stated by BVG's leader.
Struggling Transport: BVG Passengers Face Delays and Service Interruptions
BVG passengers have been experiencing troubles recently, with fewer buses operating and U-Bahns facing delays or even not operating. BVG CEO Henrik Falk aims to prioritize the dependability of public transport in the future, temporarily halting further expansion.
Falk shared with Deutsche Presse-Agentur, "Our objective is to sustain the current high level for the next two to three years. Passengers are aware that the system is stretching its limits, and we desperately need stability."
60 million more trips in the first half of the year
The company has seen both demand and staff growth significantly over the past few years. Over 60 million additional trips were taken on BVG buses and trains in the first half of this year compared to the same period last year.
From net employer numbers, there are now 3000 more employees working for the company than ten years ago. Falk clarified, "Does this mean this growth can continue indefinitely? Absolutely not."
Despite this, the BVG will continue to recruit at a high rate in the upcoming years, according to Falk. In the first half of this year, 1450 new employees joined BVG, with 500 of them joining the bus division alone. To maintain the current level, a similar number of new hires will be required in the coming years, only to cover pension expenses.
Falk is confident in maintaining the offer
For now, the local public transport offer in Berlin will not expand further. "Our primary focus is on making the existing offer more consistent, cleaner, and safer," stated Falk, who has been in office since January.
In fact, efforts are necessary now just to maintain the current offer. This conversation also involves fiscal discussions with the Senate Administration, which is dealing with million-dollar budget deficits and also monitoring BVG. "The ambition is there, and I am confident that we can ensure the current offer financially together," Falk said.
Previously, multiple topics were addressed simultaneously at BVG. To focus better in the future, Falk intends to concentrate on specific topics, even making a financial contribution in this manner.
"We are talking about infrastructure, U-Bahns, trams, and bus depots: these are all essential for the system in the coming decades," emphasized Falk.
Restrictions in bus and U-Bahn traffic
In recent years, there have been certain limitations in the bus and U-Bahn offers. There's a driver shortage for buses, while the U-Bahn fleet often encounters technical problems due to many wagons being over 60 years old.
New vehicles have been ordered long ago. However, due to tender process delays and subsequent manufacturer delivery delays, these vehicles are not anticipated to be operational until next year. "These vehicles are, unfortunately, more frequently in the workshop than they should be or ought to be," explained Falk.
Presently, issues with wheel sets on U6 to U9 lines are causing operational delays and disruptions for passengers with the large profile wheels.
Falk plans to resolve this issue swiftly by adjusting train frequencies. "For example, if we decide to run trains on one line every four and a half minutes instead of every four, we can free up vehicles and operate more reliable and longer U-Bahn trains. This is an improvement for passengers." BVG will present a detailed plan soon and implement it likely after the summer break.
Falk acknowledged the need for focus, stating, "Our primary focus is on making the existing offer more consistent, cleaner, and safer." Recognizing the challenges in maintaining the current public transport system, Falk emphasized, "For now, our objective is to sustain the current high level for the next two to three years, focusing on stability and dependability."
