Berlin subway: Record failures 2024 - more than any 17th train was out!

Berlin subway: Record failures 2024 - more than any 17th train was out!

The reliability of the Berlin subway reached a new low in 2024. Over 5.8 million train cancellations were counted, which concerns more than any 17th subway. These alarming numbers were published by the Berlin transport companies (BVG) and show that the subway is as unreliable and unpunctual as it has been in five years. According to the Tagesspiegel [reports that] (https://www.tagesspiegel.de/berlin/zuverlündligkeit-der-bvg-fächlich-zämen- Mehr--jede-54-aus-13581988.html), the general reliability has fallen to 94% in 97.5% in 2023 and 98.7% in 2019. Punctuality has also dropped and is now 98.3%, a decline of 99.1% in 2020.

The causes of this negative development are diverse. The BVG mentions a shortage of skilled workers, an outdated vehicle park, overloaded workshops and a dilapidated infrastructure as the main reasons. The lines U12 and U4 are particularly affected, where there are often failures. On these lines, drives are also trained for the new JK vehicle series, which also contains the personnel capacities. The RBB reports that The new trains of the JK series, which could put in operation from September 2025.

dismantling of the timetable since September 2023

Another factor that contributes to the current situation is the timetable since September 2023. By reducing the already burdened trips, it has not only become more difficult for the Berlin citizens to reliably reach their destination, but also the already impaired punctuality suffers. However, the traffic senator Ute Bonde (CDU) sees no crisis at the BVG; It describes the company as "adequate financed" and "highly attractive employer".

The subway in Berlin is not only a fundamental means of transport, but also part of the urban lifestyle. The persistent problems could not only affect the city's flow of traffic, but also damage the trust of passengers in the BVG in the long term. Experts agree that measures urgently need to be taken to improve the situation and make the subway again a reliable means of transport.