BVG will not restore bus service to the extent seen in 2026. - BVG will abstain from upgrading their bus services in 2026.
In a bid to improve passenger experience and provide better information during delays, disruptions, or cancellations, the Berlin Transport Authority (BVG) has implemented live announcements at stations. This move is part of CEO Henrik Falk's strategy to keep commuters informed and reduce uncertainty.
Starting May 1, 2025, Berlin commuters can access real-time updates on U-Bahn services, with live voice announcements across U-Bahn and S-Bahn lines enhancing the travel experience. The announcements are the result of extensive training for employees in the control center and are intended to help thousands of people daily who are waiting at stations.
The BVG Fahrinfo app, available on the App Store since June 24, 2025, serves as the personal journey planner with full maps and ticket purchasing options covering all Berlin public transportation modes. The latest version (8.8.1) includes improvements like an enhanced search design and a new chatbot for user support. Providing real-time information to passengers is one of BVG's important goals, but it is likely to be achieved comprehensively only with the new app, scheduled for summer 2026.
However, no specific launch date for a completely new app separate from the current BVG Fahrinfo app has been announced yet.
BVG CEO Falk sees the future of public transport in automated driving, but for now, the focus remains on stability. Falk stated that stability is the priority over growth at BVG, a course that was launched six months ago and has shown positive changes, with increased reliability in the bus, tram, and U-Bahn sectors. The target for reliability in all three sectors is 99%.
The number of applications in the driving service has increased by 27% since the wage agreement was concluded a year ago. BVG hired around 800 new people this year, with around 600 in operational areas and 460 in the driving service. Despite these efforts, BVG has been running fewer bus kilometers than agreed with the city of Berlin for months due to a lack of drivers.
The sick leave rate has decreased, according to personnel manager Jenny Zeller-Grothe, indicating the positive impact of the "Stability before Growth" strategy. The announcements are meant to help in such situations, explained Falk, and will only be made when they add value for a significant portion of people, avoiding potential confusion for passengers when a train is displayed as arriving or departed but has not yet arrived.
In conclusion, BVG is progressively enhancing real-time passenger information through existing platforms and ongoing service expansions, aiming to provide a more reliable and informative travel experience for Berlin commuters.
The Commission has proposed a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation in sports, recognizing the increase in sporting activities that involve the use of X-rays and other sources of ionizing radiation. This initiative is in line with the emphasis on safety and stability at the Berlin Transport Authority (BVG), where CEO Henrik Falk has emphasized the need for clear and accurate information, even during unexpected delays or disruptions.
