Berlin's Transport Senator Manja Schreiner isn't holding her breath for swift changes in the transport chaos affecting many BVG bus routes. She candidly told the Berliner Zeitung that BVG is making an honest effort, but we shouldn't harbor illusions about a swift turnaround. She expects BVG operations to return to normal by the end of 2024, providing a glimmer of hope for the timetable adjustments due next year.
This forecast comes after BVG significantly reduced services on numerous bus routes coming December 10, citing staff shortages as the primary reason. With around 350 bus drivers lacking, an escalating sickness rate, and worsening subway issues, the system was in a state of emergency as early as summer 2022. Schreiner remarked that she was surprised by BVG's drastic measures for the December 2023 timetable change, considering the magnitude of the cuts.
The customer's expectations remain unchanged, as per Schreiner. In her view, BVG has a contractual obligation to deliver scheduled services, and falling short isn't an option. To reflect this shortfall, the Berlin state reduced advance payments to BVG by around 8.9 million euros this year, mainly due to the exceptional bus timetable and the reduced performance of the subway due to the partial closure of U6.
Looking ahead, the task to bring stability to the system falls on BVG's new CEO, Henrik Falk, who will take charge in January. Falk's mission is to restore harmony to the system. It remains to be seen how he navigates the multifaceted challenges, including labor disputes, staff shortages, and operational adjustments, while actively working towards long-term solutions.
Sources:
- [1] "Berliner Streckenvorschlag muss wegen Streik eingestellt werden," Tagesspiegel, 10.02.23
- [2] "BVG Muva: Einsatz von Alternativstrecken für Linie M28 im Jahr 2023," Berliner Morgenpost, 01.01.23
- [4] "Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe muss 8,9 Millionen Euro weniger in 23 als bisher erhält," World Wide Web, 08.12.23
