New Penalties for Door-Holding in Berlin's Public Transport

The Berlin Transport Company (BVG) has announced new regulations aimed at improving the efficiency and safety of its public transport services, including U-Bahn, buses, and trams. Starting May 1, 2025, passengers who are caught holding the doors open will face a fine of EUR50.

This decision comes in response to ongoing issues such as delayed departures, damaged doors, and potential injuries to passengers caused by door-holding behavior. According to BVG, holding the doors open disrupts the boarding and alighting process, leading to significant delays across the entire transportation network.

The BVG highlighted that blocking the doors poses safety risks for passengers. Individuals lingering near the doors after the closing signal may risk getting trapped and injured. Furthermore, such actions can lead to damage to the doors during the closing process. The BVG reported an average of about 200 door malfunctions per month on its U-Bahn services alone, frequently attributed to intentional door-holding by passengers. In cases of door malfunctions, individual doors or even entire carriages may need to be taken out of service for repairs, which can be costly and reduce available train capacity.

The enforcement of these new regulations will be the responsibility of BVG's operational and safety personnel, who will monitor compliance and ensure passenger safety. The company aims to minimize disruptions and enhance the overall experience for all users of Berlin's public transport system.

In addition to these measures, BVG continues to encourage passengers to be mindful of their actions to ensure a smooth and safe travel experience for everyone.