VBB boss Heuing: Overcrowded trains will soon be a thing of the past!

VBB boss Heuing: Overcrowded trains will soon be a thing of the past!

In the capital region of Berlin-Brandenburg, time is running out when it comes to improving the rail infrastructure. Regional transport is confronted with overcrowding on trains, especially on nice weekends. Christoph Heuing, new managing director of the Berlin-Brandenburg transport association ( n-tv ), describes the current situation as intolerable and has already promised measures to relieve the burden.

Heuing, who has only been in office since May 2025, announced that an additional train is planned towards the Baltic Sea. There are currently two additional connections that operate in the morning and afternoon. When the timetable changes in December, an hourly service will be introduced between Berlin and Stralsund, which could significantly shorten travel times.

Capacity expansion in focus

The increasing demand in regional transport – not least due to the Deutschlandticket – presents those responsible with new challenges. Heuing warns cyclists in particular that taking bikes with them on weekends can be problematic. Trains are often overcrowded and wheelchairs and strollers need to be accommodated as a priority. The regional transport offering has increased, but the overloaded rail infrastructure is reaching its limits.

To address this challenge, Heuing refers to the “i2030” infrastructure project. This comprehensive initiative, developed in collaboration with Deutsche Bahn and other partners, aims to future-proof the rail infrastructure in the Berlin-Brandenburg region. The concept includes the expansion of routes and better connections to existing stations in order to meet the growing needs of the capital region ( VBB ).

Long-term planning for a modern rail network

The planning for the “i2030” project is already well advanced. Eight corridors and a package of measures to expand the S-Bahn network were defined. The pre-financing of these necessary plans is taken over by the states of Berlin and Brandenburg, while Deutsche Bahn Netze AG is responsible for the implementation, with the exception of the Heidekrautbahn, which is managed by Niederbarnimer Eisenbahn AG ( berlin.de ).

The basic assessment in almost all corridors has already been completed, and financing for further planning measures is being secured by the two countries. This creates the conditions for the rapid implementation of the projects and should lead to an improvement in mobility for passengers in the region.

Heuing and his team are faced with a challenge that has many facets. Efforts to improve the situation in regional transport are in full swing. The next few months promise to be intense as everyone involved works together to find a powerful solution.