Surge in Ride-Sharing Bookings Amid BVG Strike in Berlin

The recent strike by the Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) has significantly impacted transportation in the city, leading to a remarkable increase in the utilization of ride-sharing services. With the BVG's operations largely halted for two days, Berliners have turned to alternatives such as rental cars, e-scooters, and ride-sharing platforms to navigate the city.

According to data from the mobility platform Bolt, there was a staggering 150% rise in the use of e-scooters and e-bikes during the strike. Additionally, the distances traveled by users increased by approximately one-third compared to normal usage. Car-sharing services also saw an 84% spike in trips, while taxi requests surged by 337%, resulting in a jaw-dropping 620% increase in pre-booked rides.

Other ride-sharing companies, including Uber, reported similar trends, indicating a substantial uptick in demand. A spokesperson for Uber noted that rental and taxi services are likely to mobilize all available resources to accommodate the influx of requests.

In light of the increased demand, the mobility provider Miles observed a notable rise in trips, particularly during peak hours when BVG services are typically in high demand. The company also noted a significant increase in new user registrations and a rise in inquiries regarding vehicle availability for the following day.

The e-scooter provider Dott, formerly known as Tier, reported a 170% increase in rides during the recent strike compared to the week prior. To facilitate access during these high-demand periods, Dott plans to position more e-scooters and e-bikes at major transit points throughout the city.

Despite the heightened demand, Dott has assured customers that there will be no price hikes. The company recently introduced a new pass called Dott Flex, priced at EUR1.99 for 30 days, allowing users to enjoy rides for just EUR1 for journeys lasting up to 10 minutes. Furthermore, they reduced the unlocking fee from EUR1 to EUR0.49.

Ride-sharing prices are influenced by demand, and it is expected that prices will rise during strike days. The Berlin taxi industry's union estimates that demand on the second day of the strike exceeded normal levels by about a third. The union representative explained that while the first day of a strike often sees a slower adaptation among users, subsequent days usually experience a higher demand as people adjust.

While traditional taxi services adhere to fixed rates set by the government, app-based ride-hailing services often adjust their fares based on demand, leading to potential costs that could be up to four times higher than usual during peak times on strike days.

Overall, the recent BVG strike has underscored the flexible nature of transportation options in Berlin, as residents adapt to the challenges posed by disruptions in public transport.