Berlin. Barrier-free 2016
Barrier-free across Berlin
Dear passengers,
With us, you always arrive at your destination! We are doing our best to ensure that nearly all of our buses, trains, stops and stations provide barrier-free access by 2020.
Do you use a wheelchair, walking aid or a cane to get around? No problem: everyone can already travel by bus. More than half of the underground stations can be accessed without stairs. 200 stations are already completely barrier-free. Our ferries also have no barriers (exception: the F24 rowing boat in Rahnsdorf). Our trams will be completely barrier-free by 2017.
It’s important to us that you travel comfortably.
For that reason there are orientation aids, ramps and lifts available. Do you need assistance? Do you have any questions? Don’t be shy. Talk to one of our staff. They’ll be glad to help.
This is how you can plan a barrier-free trip:
You can easily plan trips without barriers online: www.BVG.de. Type your starting point and destination in the column on the left. Click on “disabled access”. Then choose either “barrier-free access” (completely step-free) and “limited
access” (with escalators).
You can also receive information at the BVG customer centres and via telephone on 030 19 44 9.
Lifts may be out of order at some subway stations. Therefore, it would be wise to inform yourself before your trip.
Use our automatic announcement service for that purpose: telephone number 030 25 62 20 96. Or check online at www.BVG.de and click on the “faulty lifts” link.
You can register your email address online by clicking on “Meine BVG”. You will then receive current information
Urban and underground
railway
Many urban and underground railway stations have a guidance system for visually-impaired passengers. Most stations and platforms can be accessed step-free, with the aid of lifts or fixed-position ramps. Please look out for these symbols on the line network and at the stations:
Stations with this symbol have a lift
Stations with this symbol have a fixed-position ramp.
Do you wish to change trains?
Then please check the line network, as not all stations have barrier-free transit zones. Symbols will point you to lifts or ramps. That way, you can plan your trip better.
Are you a wheelchair user travelling by urban and underground railway?
In some stations, the platform may be lower or higher than the train. There could be a gap between the platform and the train. Mobile folding ramps ensure that you get on the train safely. Barrier-free stations have such ramps at the front end of the platforms. You should wait for the train where the first carriage stops. The train drivers can help you to get on or off the train if you require assistance. Indicate clearly to the staff that you want to board the train. Please tell the driver straight away at which stop you wish to get off.
Our staff will help you get on and off the train with the mobile folding ramps.
Trams
Nearly all trams are barrier-free. The step-free low-floor carriages are barrier-free. You can see when the barrier-free trams run on the timetable at the tram stops.
You can also inform yourself online before your trip or on your mobile while you’re out and about.
Are you a wheelchair user whishing to travel by tram?
Then please position yourself at the front of the tram stop. This is the only part from which you can get on and off the tram. The tram’s first or second door contains a ramp or electric lift, depending on the type of vehicle. Please use the door with the wheelchair symbol.
Please clearly indicate to the driver that you wish to board the tram. Then our staff will help you board the tram. Tell the driver straight away at which stop you wish to get off. Please proceed to the space reserved for wheelchair users. Apply your brakes and hold on while the tram is moving. If you wish to get off, then please press the stop button at the door when the tram is reaching your stop. The driver will gladly help you get off using the ramp or the electric lift.
Not yet barrier-free
Please note: The trams on line 37 and 61 are not yet barrier-free.
Also, not all vehicles on the following lines are barrier-free:
Buses
All our buses are barrier-free.
The only exception: Some of the trips on the traditional bus running on line 218 are not barrier-free.
Are you travelling with a pram, mobility aid, wheelchair or large luggage?
Then you should enter the bus via the second door. There is plenty of space in this part of the bus. Our buses lower themselves automatically at bus stops to facilitate getting on and off.
Are you a wheelchair user wishing to travel by bus?
Please clearly indicate to the bus driver that you wish to get on the bus. You can easily get on the bus using the fold-out ramps at the second door. Our staff will open the ramp for you and gladly assist you. Please tell the driver straight away at which stop you wish to get off.
Inside the bus, please use the special backrests and safety clips. It’s best if you position yourself facing the back of the bus. Please don’t forget to apply the brakes to secure your wheelchair.
If you wish to get off, then please press the stop button with the wheelchair symbol in good time. That way, the bus driver can assist you with the fold-out ramp.
Ferries
All ships and jetties used by the BVG are barrier-free. There is only one exception:
The rowing boat used on line F24.
Please note:
There are still some steps on the way to the jetty for ferry line F21. The district of Treptow-Köpernick is planning to make it barrier-free.
Do you use a walking frame and travel by bus?
The pictures below show you how to get on and off the bus safely with your walking frame.
You could also talk to other passengers and ask them for assistance.
Do you wish to travel by bus after 8 p.m.?
The BVG offers a special service:
You can get off the bus between stations if you wish. This is possible on all bus lines and all night buses in the tariff zones B and C. Please tell the bus driver where you wish to get off.
The bus can only make one stop between two bus stops. The driver will decide where the bus will stop. It’s not possible to stop everywhere. This way, you can reach your destination safely.
You may not get off the bus at the following locations: At no-parking zones, right-of-way areas, in areas with snow and ice and at construction sites. Buses also can’t stop on streets where many cars are parked.
The perfect way to orient yourself
There are special seats on buses and trains for passengers with disabilities.
These seats are indicated with picture symbols and are suitable for passengers with disabilities. They are located close to the doors and have ample space.
Visually impaired and blind passengers
Nearly all stations and stops are equipped with orientation aids for visually impaired and blind passengers. These can be in the form of tactile pavings on the ground, for example, or white stripes on the steps and Braille in the lifts. The vehicle interiors also have a high-contrast design. There are grab rails in every part of the vehicle which are connected to each other. This way, you can orient yourself better and move around safely on the vehicles.
At underground stations, the trains are announced by their end station. On buses and trains, the individual stations are also announced. This way, you’ll never miss your stop. You’ll hear a loud warning signal before the doors automati-cally close. Unfortunately, there are disruptions sometimes. Announcements in the stations and vehicles will inform you about changes.
Please note: Get off underground trains on the left hand side of the direction the train is travelling in. There are only a few exceptions, and in such cases, you will hear the announcement “Ausstieg rechts“, or “exit on the right”.
Hearing impaired or deaf passengers
There are display panels at train stations, bus and tram stops. Here you can see the destination of the bus or train and at what time it departs. The display panels also indicate any possible disruptions. On the vehicles, the next stop is displayed on an electronic board. This way, you can prepare for getting off the vehicle in good time. Warning lights start to blink when the doors are about to close.
Information and emergency pillars
at the underground railway
Do you have a question? Do you require assistance?
No problem. Every underground railway station is equipped with information and emergency pillars. They each have a selection of buttons. You will always be connected to one of our staff when you press one of the buttons. You will be able to talk to our staff through a microphone. For example, you could ask about timetables or order a taxi. In case of danger, you could also call for help.
This is how the pillar works: Red button:
Press the button to get assistance.
Yellow button:
Press the button to get information.
Blue button:
This button can be easily reached by wheelchair users. You will be connected with our staff and can get information and assistance.
Hearing impaired and deaf passengers
Please press the red button . The pillar is equipped with a camera. Our staff can see you when the light is on at the top of the pillar. Please place your hands on your ears. That way, our staff will recognise that you can’t hear.
Stay by the emergency pillar and wait for our staff to arrive. They will be able to assist you further.
A staff member will be with you within 15 minutes.
Travelling safely with a walking frame by bus and train
1
Tilt the walking frame slightly for-ward when getting on a vehicle.
2
Hold on tight and push the back wheels forward.3
Look for a seat and apply the wal-king frame breaks.4
If you wish to get off, please press the stop button in good time.Travelling safely with a walking frame by bus and train
5
Be careful when getting off while facing forward. The front wheels could slip between the vehicle and the platform.
6
It’s safer to get off the vehicle facing backwards.
7
Hold on tight and get off the vehicle.8
Stand with both feet securely on the platform. Then grip your walking frame.BVG mobility training
Are you worried about getting on a bus or a train with a walking aid, wheelchair or cane? Have no fear! You can practice at one of the free BVG mobility training sessions. You will have plenty of time to practice on a stationary and empty vehicle. Our friendly staff will be there to assist you. You could also bring someone along to accompany you. If you are attending as a group, please get in touch via phone on 030 19 44 9 or by email at [email protected].
BVG mobility training sessions 2016
Thursday, 28 April, 10 a.m. –12 p.m.: tram and bus
Lichtenberg, BVG depot, Siegfriedstr. 30–45
Thursday, 26 May, 10 a.m. –12 p.m.: bus
Steglitz-Zehlendorf, at Walther-Schreiber-Platz underground station
Saturday, 18 June, 10 a.m. –1 p.m.: bus
Reinickendorf, main entrance to the Märkisches Zentrum shopping centre, Wilhelmsruher Damm 140
Thursday, 30 June, 10 a.m. –12 p.m.: bus
Neukölln, Werbellinstr. 12
Thursday, 14 July, 10 a.m. –12 p.m.: bus
Schöneberg, at Kleistpark underground station
Thursday, 8 September, 10 a.m. –12 p.m.: bus
Charlottenburg, bus stop 249, N26, in front of Zoologischer Garten urban and underground station
Thursday, 22 September, 10 a.m. –12 p.m.: tram and bus
Marzahn, BVG depot, Landsberger Allee 576
Thursday, 13 October, 10 a.m. –12 p.m.: bus
Spandau, Rathaus Spandau (in front of the town hall)
Thursday, 17 November, 10 a.m. –12 p.m.: underground train
We wish you a good and safe journey on our buses and trains in Berlin.
Your BVG
Prams and bicycles
You can bring prams and bicycles along on all vehicles. There is one exception: you can’t take bicycles on the bus. There are symbols on the doors indicating where you can get on the vehicles with a pram or a bicycle. There is plenty of space there. If the vehicle is full of passengers, please wait for the next one.
Please note: Passengers with prams get on before passengers with bicycles.
Bus and train escort services
You don’t want to travel around Berlin by bus and train alone?
Then one of our nice helpers can escort you. The VBB (the Berlin and Brandenburg transport agency) offers free bus and train escort services.
You can find more information via telephone 030 34 64 99 40 or by visiting www.VBB.de.
Tickets
Do you have an orange-green ID for severely disabled persons?
Then you could apply for a supplementary sheet with tokens at the Versorgungsamt (pensions and social security authority). Then you will be able to travel on buses and trains without a ticket. The supplementary sheet with the tokens costs 40 euro and is valid for six months. Passengers with the Bl or H mark on their IDs travel for free.
Please note: You should always have your ID for severely disabled persons and the supplementary sheet with you at all times while travelling.
Tickets for Berlin (fares ABC) Euro Single ticket /
2 hours one direction AB BC ABC
Adult fare Reduced fare 2,70 1,70 3,00 2,10 3,30 2,40 Multi-Ticket /
2 hours one direction AB BC ABC
Adult fare Reduced fare
9,00 5,60
Day ticket (1) AB BC ABC
Adult fare Reduced fare 7,00 4,70 7,30 5,10 7,60 5,30
You can buy tickets here:
· at ticket machines in every station · at selling points with the BVG symbol · on trams and buses (single and day tickets).
Tickets have to be validated
It is advisable to buy your ticket before you start your journey. Tickets need to be validated in the tram or bus. You can also buy a ticket from the bus driver or at the ticket machines on trams. These tickets are already validated. You can buy tickets for urban and underground trains at ticket machines located on the platforms. These tickets need to be validated on the platforms.
Other tickets for people visiting Berlin:
The “Berlin CityTourCard” and the “Berlin WelcomeCard”. These tickets offer many discounts at our partners. You can find more information online at www.BVG.de and at the BVG customer centres.
Service information
BVG call center +49 30 19 44 9
Information on lift breakdowns
(underground trains) +49 30256-22096 Urban railway customer service +49 30 297-43333
Information on the internet on public transport:
Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG): www.BVG.de You can plan your barrier-free journey here. Berlin urban railway: www.s-bahn-berlin.de
BVG Lost & Found
Potsdamer Straße 180, telephone +49 30 19 44 9
Imprint:
Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG), AöR
Passenger information (IPLZ 46500), 10096 Berlin www.BVG.de [email protected]
Editorial deadline: 31 January 2016
Concept/design/text: kontur werbeagentur GmbH Title picture: M. Koczy Illustrations: M. Berghahn Mapping: BVG passenger information (VBA-FGI) Errors and omissions excepted
