By Julian Loevenich
The tram is the most important means of transport in north-east Berlin – work is often stressful for drivers – also because delays have to be made up again and again.
An employee of the BVG reported to the BZ. He wants to remain anonymous.
What he reports from his everyday work, especially around Berliner Allee, sounds dramatic: “The tram goes downhill.”
30 percent of his colleagues are now absent due to illness. One reason: overload.
“We used to have turnaround times when you could take a deep breath,” says the BVG driver, who has been with the company for more than five years.
Regina Hollmann (79) from Lichtenberg: “Sure, the M4 is sometimes late, but that’s all okay” Photo: Ralf Gunther
In the meantime, however, more and more traffic lights are permanently switched on, especially in construction site areas such as Berliner Allee. Means: The tram no longer has the right of way, but sometimes has to wait up to three minutes until it turns green.
“This causes delays, ten minutes on average, which have to be made up again,” says the employee. He has already complained to the Senate administration: traffic lights are simply set up, but there is no overarching traffic light program in which they are coordinated. “They’re not interested in administration,” he says.
Eddy L. (76) from Hohenschönhausen: “I can’t complain, the tram on Berliner Allee runs on time” Photo: Ralf Gunther
A spokesman for the responsible traffic management of the city explains: The fixed traffic lights should prevent traffic jams at intersections. However, they are in talks with the BVG and the traffic regulations should be revised, “we expect significant improvements for public transport from this”.