Emergency BVG calls escalate daily on the platform
BERLIN TRANSPORT AUTHORITY EQUIPS SUBWAY STATIONS WITH EMERGENCY AND INFORMATION COLUMNS
In an effort to better assist passengers, the Berlin Transport Authority (BVG) has installed more than 500 emergency and information columns across the city's subway stations. These columns provide a direct communication link between passengers and BVG staff, allowing for immediate assistance in various situations.
Each column features three buttons – an SOS button for emergencies, an information button for inquiries, and a third button specifically designed for use by individuals with disabilities who may struggle to reach the upper buttons. In an interview with B.Z., BVG security and project coordinator Danayt Yosef (27) stated, "We want to give passengers the security of knowing how they can help themselves in certain situations and take action. For example, if someone faints next to me, it's a medical emergency and the SOS button can be pressed, just like in case of crimes."
The security control center of the BVG can view the station cameras on a large monitor and dispatch their staff or the police, if necessary, in response to an emergency call. Up to 800 emergency calls are received daily via these columns, according to Ingo Tederahn (61), head of security for the BVG.
Tederahn added, "Some emergency calls are resolved in a few seconds. It never gets boring." Unfortunately, some emergency calls involve tragic incidents, such as fatalities, like the recent incident at Sophie-Charlotte-Platz. In this case, passengers called the emergency line, and the BVG staff responded as best they could.
To further inform passengers about the use of these columns, four action teams of the BVG will be on the lines U2/U12, U5, U6, U7, and U8 from 2 to 6 p.m. until May 30. Passengers are encouraged to take advantage of these columns to ensure their safety and receive assistance in various situations.
Technology is an integral part of the Berlin Transport Authority's efforts to enhance general-news coverage at subway stations, with the installation of more than 500 emergency and information columns that provide direct communication between passengers and staff. These columns leverage advanced technology to facilitate quick assistance in emergencies, while also offering access to information through the information button.
