Berlin's 2026–2028 transport plan prioritises repairs over rail expansion

Berlin's public transport plan for 2026–2028 has been unveiled, with a clear shift in focus. Instead of expanding the network, authorities will prioritise stabilising and modernising the existing system. The move comes amid rising costs, staff shortages and tight budgets that have delayed many long-planned projects.

The draft proposal, now open for public feedback, has already sparked political debate. Critics argue the lack of expansion risks leaving new residential areas poorly connected, while officials insist reliability must come first.

The guiding principle of the new Nahverkehrsplan is 'stability before growth'. Key priorities include upgrading workshops, depots and other operational facilities for the U-Bahn and S-Bahn. Many of these sites are currently running at full capacity, making it difficult to maintain current service levels.

Several major expansion projects have been pushed back, with some tram and underground extensions now unlikely to finish before the 2030s. U-Bahn expansions planned for after 2030 may even face delays until 2040, depending on future funding. The plan does not specify which already-approved sections have been postponed, as details remain under review. To improve rush-hour services, officials are considering cutting underground train frequencies during off-peak times. Alternative transport solutions, such as cable cars or magnetic levitation trains, are also being explored for certain routes. These options could offer cheaper or more flexible connections than traditional rail expansions. The draft plan is still in its consultation phase, with the public invited to submit feedback until spring 2026. After this period, the final version will be confirmed. However, disagreements within the governing coalition have already surfaced, particularly over how best to serve newly developed neighbourhoods. Some politicians argue that delaying expansions will leave growing areas isolated, while others back the focus on fixing the current system first.

The finalised plan will set Berlin's transport priorities for the next two years. With maintenance backlogs and limited resources, the focus remains on securing the network's reliability before any major growth. Public feedback and political negotiations in the coming months will shape how the city balances these competing demands.