BVG invests 200 million: Future local transport revolution in Berlin!

BVG invests 200 million: Future local transport revolution in Berlin!

The Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) is facing a massive wave of investment to modernize its infrastructure. BVG CEO Henrik Falk presented a comprehensive program on Wednesday that will not only improve existing depots and workshops, but also include new facilities. In recent years, BVG has suffered greatly from operational problems caused by outdated trains and a lack of staff.

Current plans envisage that the BVG will implement investments amounting to around 200 million euros over the next five years, which will be funded by the federal government. This money is crucial to ensuring stable local transport for future generations. The last new depot was opened in the 1960s, which underlines the urgency of the measures now being sought.

Planned new buildings and renovations

Several significant construction projects are planned as part of the infrastructure program. Among other things, a new tram depot is to be built in Adlershof, with construction scheduled to start in 2026 and operations to begin in 2030. In addition, three new e-bus depots are planned on Köpenicker Landstrasse, Rummelsburger Landstrasse and Säntisstrasse. Construction work for these operations is scheduled to begin in 2025 and operations are scheduled to begin between 2026 and 2029.

Other important projects include the underground workshop in Grunewald, which is scheduled to start in 2025 and be operational in 2029. A company workshop in Friedrichsfelde and one in Britz-Süd are also in the planning process, with construction starting in 2027. In addition, the replacement of the Waisentunnel under the Spree is in the planning stage, with construction expected to take around four years.

Technological modernization and challenges

A central goal of the program is the partial automation of subway lines to improve operations. The first construction work for digital signaling systems on the U5 is scheduled to begin in mid-2025, with operations scheduled to begin by 2029. The charging infrastructure for electric buses at terminal stops is also part of the plans, with construction starting in autumn 2025.

The Berlin passenger association Igeb has already pointed out the urgent need for workshop capacity to ensure the maintenance of the new vehicles. At the same time, the Senate's prioritization is criticized, particularly with regard to new subway routes compared to the necessary renewal of the existing infrastructure. Henrik Falk emphasizes the urgency of making up for the shortcomings of the past decade, as important modernization proposals were not implemented in the 2010s.

With these upcoming measures, the BVG hopes not only to permanently resolve the operational problems, but also to create a sustainable, reliable infrastructure in Berlin's local transport. The challenges are great, but the will to change is clearly expressed.

For more information on these developments you can read the article from Daily Mirror and rbb24 read.