Berlin transport shutdown. News. Berlin is set to face a complete shutdown of public transport on January 27, 2025, due to a 24-hour strike. Employees of the Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG), which operates buses, trams, and the metro (U-Bahn), have announced a full suspension of services. The strike is organized by the Verdi union, demanding better wages and working conditions.
Berliners should prepare for significant disruptions and find alternative ways to travel during this time. What will be the impact of the strike, and how can you manage without public transport? Find out more details!
Berlin public transport strike on January 27, 2025
Next Monday will be a tough day for Berliners. The Verdi union has called for a 24-hour public transport strike, causing major disruptions in the city. Most buses, trams, and metro services will be suspended, and metro stations may stay closed all day. The strike is expected to end at 3:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 28, but transport services might still be irregular, so expect delays.
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S-Bahn and regional trains, which are not operated by BVG, will continue running and can be used as alternatives. Some bus routes will still operate, including 106, 114, 118, 124, and others, but with fewer services on certain routes.
The strike is a protest over pay and working conditions for about 16,600 BVG employees. The union is asking for a €750 per month pay increase and other bonuses. BVG has known about the demands since October 2024, but no offer was made in the first round of talks last week. Passengers should plan ahead and be ready for crowded S-Bahn trains during rush hours.