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BVG warning: This is how the new seat covers stay clean and chic!
The BVG is preparing Berlin for an increase in passengers. New seat covers in a colorful design are intended to prevent vandalism and welcome summer.
BVG warning: This is how the new seat covers stay clean and chic!
The Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) takes its mission of transporting passengers safely through the city seriously. In view of the upcoming summer rush, when people will flock to outdoor pools and lakes, the BVG is planning to make passengers aware of the challenge of the warm months with a humorous appeal. How berlin-live.de reported, a funny series of pictures was published on Instagram on June 22nd that showcased both the summer weather and the vehicle fleet. In it, the BVG warned about the dreaded “outdoor pool fries fingers” on the new seat covers - a funny reminder that keeps an eye on the cleaning costs of the vehicles and at the same time stokes anticipation for the summer holidays.
The new seat covers, which have been gradually replaced since 2023, feature a fresh design also known as the “worm pattern”. The design features a colorful mix of yellow, turquoise and red, which not only attracts attention but also serves to prevent vandalism. The BVG describes the new pattern as a representation of Berlin's diversity with silhouettes of people and animals. As well as on t-online.de can be read, there is a story behind the patterns of the seat covers, which are highly valued by Berliners, even if their appearance is sometimes controversial.
Vandalism and space for creativity
Public transport is often a target for vandalism. To counteract this, the designers at BVG used a clever trick: the colorful and eye-catching design of the seats is intended to stop people from expressing their creativity in the form of graffiti. How sueddeutsche.de explains, this strategy is based on the reverse broken windows theory. Vandal-prone seats in dark colors promote graffiti - this is proven by the successfully introduced, wildly patterned covers, which have proven themselves over the years and have become a cult object dear to Berliners. Even merchandising products such as sneakers with these patterns have found their way onto the streets.
Although the older pattern by Herbert Lindinger, known as “Urban Jungle”, has been used for 30 years and has now achieved cult status, it is now gradually being replaced by the new designs. However, a legal dispute between the designer and BVG is still pending due to missing clauses for use in subways or merchandising items. The BVG is currently remaining silent, but emphasizes that the old patterns will not disappear immediately.
In this colorful world of means of transport, it will be exciting to see how Berliners will react to the new designs and whether the practical benefits of the new “worm pattern” will be as appreciated as its predecessors. One thing is certain: a bouquet of colors combines urban diversity and ensures greater safety in the early summer heat.