GERMANY
With thousands of people currently fleeing the war in Ukraine to Berlin, city transport operator BVG, in close cooperation with local government, is providing round-the-clock support with the arrival, care and accommodation of people. BVG has been making up to 40 journeys a day since February 28 at the request of the Senate, and so far a total of 7,500 refugees have been taken from the main railway station and the central bus station to the initial contact points in Berlin, or directly to local emergency accommodation.
All 140 journeys were manned by volunteer drivers, and up to seven supervisors direct the traffic on site every day. In addition, BVG has also hired five coaches for shuttle trips to the Brandenburg area through its service providers, for which its service buses are not suitable.
Eva Kreienkamp, BVG CEO, said: “I am grateful to have such courageous colleagues. When it came down to it, they were immediately there to help voluntarily. And that goes beyond their activities in the company and the city limits.”
