Berlin Greens criticize Senate for neglecting public transport

The Berlin Greens accuse the current black-red Senate of neglecting essential investments in public transport. They warn that cuts in this area could lead to a traffic collapse in the city.

The Berlin Greens in the state parliament have raised serious concerns over the current black-red Senate’s approach to public transport, accusing them of undermining the system through budget cuts. Green Party parliamentary group leader Werner Graf criticized the government for failing to invest in necessary infrastructure, stating that outdated U-Bahn trains are increasingly failing, which could lead to a citywide traffic collapse. “We see that more and more U-Bahn trains are out of service because they are old. We need additional orders and must proceed faster with these investments. We must also launch the tender for the S-Bahn,” Graf told the German Press Agency. “None of this is happening right now.”

Graf pointed out that the previous red-green-red Senate had planned investments to address these issues, but the current government is stalling those plans. He emphasized that buses and trains are the backbone of Berlin’s transport system and warned, “If we face problems here, the entire city could descend into chaos—and this is a risk this government is currently taking.”

E-bus transition crucial for Berlin’s future

The discussion about whether standards can be lowered in public transport investments or if there are cost-saving opportunities in converting the bus fleet to electric drive is met with skepticism by Graf. He argued, “Abandoning the goal of having all buses in Berlin electrified by 2030 is both ecologically and economically foolish.” Graf stressed the importance of purchasing e-buses to meet climate goals and improve air quality in the city. “Of course, we can debate whether every bus needs a USB port, but this discussion only causes delays. We cannot avoid these investments.”

While acknowledging that e-buses are more expensive to purchase, Graf pointed out that they are cheaper in the long run. He added that the cost of fossil fuels will continue to rise, making it essential to prepare for stable electricity prices in the future. The Berlin public transport company (BVG) aims to convert its entire bus fleet to electric power by 2030, despite delays in implementation.

Ongoing challenges and the need for affordable public transport

Currently, 228 of the approximately 1,600 BVG buses are electric, with 50 new electric articulated buses planned for delivery this year and next. A BVG spokesperson stated that the first of these buses would arrive later this year, and the BVG is in constant communication with authorities, the state, and the federal government regarding the timeline.

However, delays in the construction of a new bus depot have already been noted by the traffic administration as a contributing factor to the slower-than-expected rollout of e-buses.

Graf also highlighted the importance of maintaining affordable public transport prices while ensuring a high-quality service. “We need affordable prices in public transport, but more importantly, we need a very good service,” he said. “This means we must continue to invest heavily in public transport. When I hear that this coalition is considering cuts in public transport, I have to question whether this is the right priority.”

Graf concluded by expressing concern that the Senate’s focus is being diverted by unrealistic projects like a proposed magnetic levitation train and new U-Bahn lines that are unlikely to materialize. “Meanwhile, existing lines, trains, and stations are being neglected,” he warned.