Construction of Berlin's bus lane system put on hold

Berlin's bus lane network is currently in a state of stasis, with no significant expansion expected in the foreseeable future. This development is largely due to a complex web of red tape and legal uncertainties.

In August 2022, the Administrative Court ruled in favour of Zehlendorf residents who objected to a bus lane on Clayallee. This ruling has set a precedent for future objections against bus lane implementations, leading to the current standstill situation.

The rejection of new bus lanes in other Berlin districts since the Clayallee decision is primarily due to concerns about the consultation process and whether the criteria for establishing bus lanes were sufficiently met. Residents argue that regular traffic disruption should only be allowed in "particularly dangerous situations" like traffic accidents or holiday events.

Seven existing bus lanes in Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf, Mitte, Spandau, Tempelhof-Schoeneberg, and Steglitz-Zehlendorf are at risk of being removed. State Secretary Claudia Elif Stutz (CDU) is involved in the decisions regarding Berlin's bus lane network, and it is unclear whether these removals will proceed.

The only plan for the addition of a new bus lane in Berlin is on Ollenhauerstrasse in Reinickendorf. However, the Clayallee case has not directly affected this planned addition.

In March 2021, the Senate listed 21 bus lane development projects on busy roads like Britzer Damm in Neukoelln and Brunsbuettler Damm in Spandau. However, these 21 projects have been ordered but not implemented, contributing to the standstill in Berlin's bus lane network development.

The expected shrinkage of Berlin's bus lane network involves the removal of designated bus lane markings from roads across the city. This potential reduction in infrastructure could impact the efficiency and reliability of Berlin's bus services.

As the situation unfolds, it is crucial to monitor developments and consider the impact on Berlin's public transport system. The future of Berlin's bus lane network remains uncertain, but efforts to ensure efficient and accessible public transport should continue.