Transport association announces more seats on RE7 - Berlin's RE7 trains get 150 extra seats to ease overcrowding by autumn 2026

The Berlin-Brandenburg Transport Authority (VBB) is enhancing seating on the bustling RE7 regional express line. Starting March 28, supplementary carriages will add 150 seats per train to mitigate overcrowding. This will persist until the conclusion of the autumn holidays on November 1, 2026.

Trains on the RE7 route frequently grapple with high passenger numbers, particularly during peak travel times to and from Berlin. To address this, the VBB will introduce an additional three-car unit on weekends and public holidays. This will escalate capacity from 270 to 420 seats per train.

On weekdays, the augmented service will operate during critical hours. From Dessau, extended trains will function between 5:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. In the opposite direction, from Senftenberg, the extra capacity will be accessible from 5:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The initiative aims to deliver a swift and efficient resolution to overcrowding. Passengers can anticipate more space on all RE7 trains during weekends, holidays, and weekday daytime services until early November.

The expansion equates to 150 additional seats per train on select services. This will apply to all weekend and holiday trains, as well as weekday journeys within specified hours. The VBB aspires for the changes to diminish congestion and elevate travel conditions for commuters.