Subway traffic
BVG adjusts frequency of several subway lines
Will soon be running more reliably again: The Berlin subway (archive photo). Photo
© Monika Skolimowska/dpa-Zentralbild/dpa
Due to technical problems, Berlin’s subway system is currently experiencing frequent disruptions and delays. Now the BVG wants to make the system more reliable again.
Due to technical problems with the aging subway fleet, passengers of the Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) is currently expecting daily delays and cancellations on some lines – this is set to change in the short term with slight changes to the frequency. After the end of the summer holidays, there will be minor changes on the U2, U9, U4, U1 and U3, which are intended to make the entire system more stable, the company announced.
Frequency extensions on the U2 and U9
For example, for about a year, the U2 line will only run every four and a half minutes during school hours instead of every four minutes as before. “The plan is to use trains with a maximum length of eight carriages,” it said.
On the U9, the BVG is currently struggling with problems with numerous wheel sets due to high levels of wear. As of September 2, trains there will therefore only run every five minutes instead of every four minutes during rush hour.
The U1 and U3 lines, however, will continue to operate at their usual frequency. However, during peak times in the early morning until 6 a.m. and in the late evening from 9 p.m., the U3 line will now run continuously between Warschauer Straße and Krumme Lanke.
From September 9, however, the U1 line will only run between the Nollendorfplatz and Uhlandstraße stations at these times. However, nothing will change for passengers except for the line designation of the trains.
With the adjustments, the BVG wants to become more reliable again
There are also frequency adjustments on the U4. “Until now, trains ran every five minutes during peak hours in the morning and afternoon, and every ten minutes in between and in the evening,” it was said. In the future, a 6/6/7 minute frequency will apply there.
“With the adjustments to the subway operation, we will be more reliable for our passengers again,” said BVG boss Henrik Falk. “We will maintain the current service and make it more stable until the new vehicles arrive.”
The BVG is currently struggling with an aging vehicle fleet. Some cars have been in use for around 60 years. Replacements have long been ordered, but due to years of delays in the tendering process and technical problems with delivery, these are not expected to go into operation until next year.