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Angry Berliners demand more performance before tariff increases!
From January 2024, BVG fares in Berlin will rise by 6% as discussion about service improvements heats up.
Angry Berliners demand more performance before tariff increases!
The mood in Berlin is tense after the transport companies announced the price increase for the use of buses and trains. From January 1, 2024, local public transport fares will increase by an average of six percent. Single tickets, whose price will rise to four euros, are particularly hard hit. A ticket to BER airport will now cost five euros, which represents a clear increase compared to previous prices. The Berlin AB environmental card will be increased from 76.70 euros to 81.30 euros per month. These announcements lead to resentment among passengers, who find the situation at Alexanderplatz “outrageous,” as the Berliner Zeitung reports.
Another point of criticism is the removal of the 65plus subscription, which particularly upsets older passengers. 20 years ago the price for the AB ticket was only 2.10 euros, which makes the current prices seem all the more shocking because they are now almost twice as high. In addition, many complain about frequent failures and disruptions on the subway and S-Bahn, which increases dissatisfaction with the price increases. Many Berliners are demanding that the quality of services be improved before prices rise further.
Reactions and political debate
The reactions to the announced price increases are diverse. Consumers feel that the price increase is unjustified, especially given the unreliable connections on the public transport network. This is also reflected in the criticism from various political parties. The Greens criticize the increase in the social ticket from 19 to 27.50 euros and emphasize that these price increases primarily affect people with lower incomes. At the same time, the AfD says that the price increases are incomprehensible and criticizes the unreliability of public transport, as the Berliner Kurier reports.
The reasons for the upcoming price increases are open negotiations between the BVG and the Verdi union about the next collective agreement, as well as increasing costs, especially for personnel, fuel and energy. These causes are cited by companies as necessary steps to maintain their financial stability. Similar increases are also expected for ticket prices in Brandenburg. The overall increase in the Berlin-Brandenburg Transport Association (VBB) is also an average of six percent and affects all transport providers, such as Berliner Newspaper reported.
In summary, Berlin passengers face significant financial burdens while at the same time being confronted with the inadequacies of local public transport. The demands for an improvement in service quality and stability in ticket prices remain loud and clear among the Berlin population.