Cleaning patrol
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Clean and safe!
More cleanliness, more visible staff presence and a better feeling of security – these are the goals of the "cleaning patrol" pilot project. Security and cleaning staff work together as a team and are present at key stations much more frequently. They ensure order, safety and cleanliness around the clock. The cooperation with the police and cleaning partners such as the DB and BSR has also been optimized. After one year of pilot operation, the "cleaning patrol" measures have been transferred to regular operation.
Phase I: February to May 2024
The cleaning patrol worked together for the first time on the southern section of the U8 subway line. Passengers and employees confirmed the success of the project through a parallel survey. Political actors from the state and the districts were also included in the project and contacts were established or expanded with numerous social institutions.
Phase II: June to November 2024
The pilot project entered its second test phase from June 2024 until the end of November 2024 and was expanded to cover the entire U8 line. In addition to further improving personnel deployment planning and intensifying discussions with social organizations and political decision-makers, passengers were also encouraged to clean up after themselves through an ad-campaign. In addition, BVG users were also able to take part in a survey about the project during this phase.
Phase III: December 2024 to March 2025
In order to collect important information about the winter period, the cleaning patrol is currently being continued in a third pilot phase until March 2025 and will be expanded to include other key stations in the subway network. In addition, a joint collection campaign with social institutions for clothing donations is running during this period.
April 2025: Cleaning patrol switches to everyday operation
The joint deployment of security and cleaning staff at priority stations has proven its worth in all seasons. Surveys have also shown that passengers honour BVG's commitment to greater cleanliness and a good feeling of safety and perceive concrete improvements. After one year of pilot operation, the ‘cleaning patrol’ will become a regular feature of the BVG.
In addition to stabilising the cleaning patrol, we are continuing to develop new ideas to ensure that everyone feels safe and comfortable in the underground. Many of these ideas will be trialled at Kottbusser Tor station in the future. The prominent transfer station between the U8 and U1/U3 lines in Kreuzberg will thus become an ‘innovation station’. And - because safety and a good feeling always start with each individual - a supplementary campaign has been launched in which the various safety devices in stations and vehicles are explained in simple terms so that all underground passengers know how to act in tricky situations.
Perspective change at the Berliner Stadtmission
As part of the cleaning patrol project, a two-day internship at the Berliner Stadtmission was integrated into the training of new security staff at the end of 2024. The aim of the two practical days for prospective security staff is to meet homeless people with more openness and understanding and to familiarise them with help services.
The Berliner Stadtmission looks after people without shelter, offers them warm food, shower and washing facilities - but above all, it conveys the message that people are valuable even without a home.
Donation collection campaign continues
Following the very successful clothing collection in underground stations in winter 2024/25, BVG, Berliner Johanniter and the Berliner Stadtmission have decided to continue their collaboration. Because helping people knows no season, clothing and other everyday items will continue to be collected in spring and summer. The two aid organisations will take over the collection on site. BVG provides the required rooms in central underground stations.
The idea of collecting clothing donations in underground stations was developed as part of the BVG's cleaning patrol project.
The latest information can be found here. (in German)
