prepare for a comfy commute in Berlin, as the S-Bahn is upgrading its services in 2024! Get ready for longer trains, increased seat capacity, and more frequent trips during peak times. According to Deutsche Bahn, the operator of the S-Bahn, "up to 6700 more seats per hour will be available" with these improvements.
Thanks to the addition of new vehicles to its fleet, the S-Bahn can now operate longer trains, making for a more spacious journey for passengers. The Managing Director of S-Bahn, Peter Buchner, announced that this will allow the company to put more and longer trains on the rails for their passengers in Berlin and Brandenburg.
So, let's dive into the changes you can expect in the 2024 timetable:
- Lines S1 and S2: Trains on these lines will gradually transform from six-carriage to eight-carriage vehicles, offering around 300 more seats per train.
- Lines S1 and S5: These lines will run every five minutes between Zehlendorf and Potsdamer Platz, as well as between Mahlsdorf and Warschauer Straße, during rush hour.
- Line S3: The S3 will run every ten minutes between Erkner and Charlottenburg during rush hour.
- Line S26: This line will start running from Teltow Stadt to Blankenburg, five days a week. This addition will provide an additional service between Pankow and Blankenburg.
- Line S85: The S85 will run from Grünau to Waidmannslust during the week, and will also feature an additional service on the section between Waidmannslust and Frohnau, following the closure of the north-south tunnel in January and February.
In addition to these changes, keep in mind that construction work is ongoing on specific routes, including Gehrenseestraße, Buckower Chaussee, and the Grunewald stop. These restrictions may impact train services on lines S2 and S7.
Despite these advancements, the longer trains will not be operational on all routes at the start of the new timetable due to a tight staffing situation in workshops close to operations. However, with these improvements, you can look forward to a smoother, more comfortable, and more frequent commute in the coming year.
(Based on information from www.dpa.com and additional enrichment data)
