BVG extends cleaning patrols to U7 and U5

Since the spring, cleaning and security staff have been travelling together around the clock on the U8.

Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) want to extend the joint cleaning and safety lanes to other underground lines in addition to the U8.

"From now on, the joint teams will no longer only be travelling on the U8, but also at other key stations," the company announced. "The expansion will initially begin on the U7 line between Neukölln and Yorckstraße stations and on the U5 between Alexanderplatz and Lichtenberg."

Increasing the perception of safety and cleanliness in underground transport

This is the last of three test phases of this project, which BVG began in the spring. By deploying the additional shifts, BVG aims to increase the feeling of safety and cleanliness in underground transport. In the first phase of the project, security and cleaning staff were therefore already working around the clock for three months on the U8 between the Jannowitzbrücke and Hermannstraße stations. In May, the patrols were extended to other sections.

Positive feedback from underground passengers

The phase that has now started on the other lines is scheduled to run until the end of March. Another focus will be on cleaning the lift shafts at selected stations. The feedback has been positive. Around half of the 8,000 underground passengers surveyed said they had noticed the improvement. "Cleanliness and safety are key factors for a successful turnaround in transport," said Governing Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) during a visit to the employees. "Only if all Berliners feel safe on public transport will they use it even more."