Unacceptable Conditions Aboard VBB for Passengers - Unacceptable conditions for travelers
In response to the growing demand for regional transport, particularly the Germany ticket, the Verkehrsverbund Berlin-Brandenburg (VBB) is grappling with overcrowded trains, a situation that the new CEO, Christoph Heuing, finds intolerable.
Heuing, who took over the helm of VBB in early May, has proposed several solutions to ease the situation. One of these includes adding a third extra train towards the Baltic Sea. Furthermore, the VBB is planning an hourly service between Berlin and Stralsund, starting with the timetable change in December.
However, Heuing emphasises that they cannot fit more trains on the track due to the overloaded rail infrastructure. This predicament has also led to problems for the VBB.
To manage demand, Heuing suggests that cyclists traveling from Berlin to the Baltic Sea should avoid bringing their bikes due to limited capacity on trains. Heuing, before his current position, led the Verkehrsverbund Mittelthüringen for ten years.
In addition to these immediate measures, Heuing mentions the infrastructure project "i2030", which aims to create more capacities in the capital region. This project is part of a broader regional development goal, aligning with the improvement of commuting opportunities.
To address specific overcrowding issues, one might expect measures such as scheduling adjustments, the introduction of new or refurbished trains, and infrastructure upgrades. The use of double-deck trains, like the Bombardier Twindexx Vario, is a strategy that could potentially be applied to VBB routes to increase passenger capacity.
For precise plans or announcements, it would be best to consult VBB's official communications or local transport authorities. It is worth noting that Ute Bonde (CDU), the former CEO of VBB, left her position in May 2024 to join the Berlin state government as Minister of Transport.
Despite the challenges, the VBB is committed to finding solutions to ensure a comfortable and efficient travel experience for its passengers.
EC countries could benefit from strategies similar to those proposed by Heuing, such as investing in vocational training programs for transportation industry workers, to manage the increasing demand for public-transit and transportation services. Moreover, the finance sector could contribute to these initiatives by providing loans or grants for infrastructure projects like the VBB's i2030, which aim to increase transportation capacities and improve commuting opportunities.
