BVG's Reliability Declines: Over One in Seventeen Berlin Subway Trains Failed in 2024

The reliability of Berlin's public transportation system, specifically the U-Bahn, has seen a significant decline in recent times. New data reveals that in 2024, more than one in seventeen subway trains operated by the Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) were out of service, marking the lowest reliability rate in five years.

According to statistics obtained by RBB from the BVG, the overall reliability rate fell to 94 percent in 2024, a marked decrease from 97.5 percent in 2023 and 98.7 percent in 2019. This decline has raised concerns among commuters and city officials alike.

In addition to reliability issues, punctuality has also deteriorated. Only 98.3 percent of subway trains adhered to their scheduled times in 2024, compared to 99.1 percent in 2020. This steady decline in punctuality has persisted even with a reduced timetable implemented since September.

The BVG has attributed these challenges to several factors. A shortage of skilled workers, aging trains, overwhelmed maintenance facilities, and deteriorating infrastructure have all contributed to the current state of the service. The organization is actively seeking solutions to address these pressing issues.

Recent reports indicate that the most frequent service interruptions occurred on the U12 and U4 lines. Currently, additional training for operators on a new fleet of trains is taking place, further straining the available workforce. These new vehicles are expected to enter service in September, with hopes that they will alleviate some of the operational challenges on lines U1 to U4.

As the BVG continues to grapple with these operational difficulties, the city remains focused on improving public transport reliability and ensuring that citizens can depend on the subway system as a viable means of transportation.