New project encourages conversation on Berlin’s public transport network

The two Berlin boroughs of Marzahn-Hellersdorf and Lichtenberg are launching a dialogue project on local transport.

Until December, trained facilitators will be walking through trams and suburban trains, inviting passengers to join in conversations, according to a statement from the district offices of both districts.

"metro_polis berlin" as a new form of political participation

The project, known as "metro_polis berlin", will therefore take place on tram lines M5, M6 and M17 and on S-Bahn lines 5, 7 and 75. According to the district office, the discussions will begin with the question: "A neighbourhood worth living in: what do you need to be able to live well and happily here?" The findings from the discussions will, it is reported, be documented and fed back to the administration and politicians. The dialogue is intended to strengthen social cohesion and facilitate new forms of political participation in everyday life.