© dpa
In future, anyone who keeps the closing doors of Berlin's subway trains, streetcars or buses open shortly before departure will face a fine of 50 euros.
Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) is introducing this measure with the new usage regulations from May 1, as the company announced. The regulation will be enforced by security staff.
"Every time the doors are held open, this delays boarding and alighting with direct consequences for the entire line operation," was the reason given. "In addition, blocking the closing process can be dangerous." Anyone still standing in the door area after the door signal has sounded is at risk of being trapped or injured. BVG also wants to prevent door damage in this way. "On average, there are around 200 door malfunctions per month in subway operations alone - many of them caused by deliberately holding doors open." The subsequent necessary repairs mean that the train is then missing from the route network.
In addition to introducing a fine for blocking doors, the BVG will also be banning passengers with weapons that fall under the Weapons Act from May 1. "In the course of the current debate on knife and weapon prohibition zones throughout Berlin's public transport system, there will be further adjustments here in the future," it said.