BVG warning: Avoid outdoor pool fries fingers” on seat cushions!

BVG warning: Avoid outdoor pool fries fingers” on seat cushions!

The Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) is in focus these hot summer days as a heat wave causes temperatures in the capital to rise to almost 40 degrees Celsius. To support passengers during this extreme heat, the BVG has issued numerous tips on using public transport. One could say that the BVG has a good knack for humorous communication, but some passengers find the style rather inappropriate. This topic is currently causing discussions, both on social media and in the city itself. Berlin courier reports that the following recommendations were made when choosing seats: While you can choose the front row of seats on the upper deck on the bus to take a nap with a “slight sunstroke,” subway fans should sit on seats with plastic edges to experience the inevitable “sticky time.”

A humorous Instagram post from the BVG took up the topic further: “Wipe your outdoor pool fries fingers here, please don’t!” Users particularly liked an image that depicted the smell of chlorine at the “Prinzenstrasse” subway station – the post received over 1,500 likes in just a few hours. However, many passengers express concerns about the cleanliness of the seats and how vandalism is dealt with. Some see the BVG's communication as slightly inappropriate, especially given the current heat wave.

Heat reduction through sustainable mobility

The high temperatures and increasing heat stress in cities are not only a challenge for consumers, but also for city planners. According to a report by the VCOE Motor vehicle traffic has a significant influence on urban heat generation. In Vienna in particular, up to 20 gigawatt hours of waste heat are generated every day by parked cars. This sealing of surfaces and the associated heat group affect the quality of life and pose a serious health risk, especially for children, the elderly and people with chronic diseases.

To improve the situation, experts recommend promoting sustainable mobility and expanding green areas. Traffic calming and the unsealing of parking spaces are some measures that are intended to help mitigate the so-called heat island effect. The emotionally difficult balancing act between the need for transport infrastructure and maintaining a livable urban space is also evident in Berlin.

Uncertainties when dealing with traffic and heat

In connection with the heated mood in public transport, the question also arises as to how the BVG would like to deal with the increased load from passengers in the coming weeks. These forecasts suggest not only increased ridership near outdoor pools and lakes, but also potential challenges in cleanliness and usability that could arise during the heatwave. BVG strives to transport its passengers safely, regardless of the season Berlin Live notes.

The discussion about cleanliness and humor continues to unfold on social media and offers an interesting insight into the public's perceptions of the BVG and its communication strategies. The disputed content could potentially also serve as an impetus for much-needed reflection on cleanliness and pollution in public spaces.