Transportation Options in Berlin

In a city the size of Berlin, it is understandable that is must have an efficient public transportation system, and even in the short period of time that I have spent in this city, it has become quite clear to me that this is the case.  There are a multitude of options for those looking to travel by public transportation.  Some examples of this include both underground and above ground trains (U-Bahn and S-Bahn, respectively), Tram lines (primarily in former East Berlin), Buses, Biking, Skateboard, walking and many others.  In today's adventures, we were able to experience many of these transportation types.

The different kinds of transportation we were able to take today included the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, Tram lines, Bus as well as simply walking.  The beginning of our day started off using the U-Bahn, from our area, Spittelmark towards Klosterstrasse.  In this instance, we took the U2 line towards Pankow (which  describes the end destination).  We have frequented this U-Bahn station a few times so far so it was easy to locate.

We then took the S-Bahn from Alexanderplatz to Springpfuhl, on the S7 line towards Ahrensfelde.  By taking the S-Bahn, this means we are able to travel above ground, and as such, have a different experience from the previous underground train.  It also took about 20 minutes for this ride, but seeing as the train travels above much of the roadways and other spaces on the ground, this is more than likely the quickest and most efficient method to travel.

The next stop we headed to was the Tram line, not too far from our previous exit off of the S-Bahn.  The route that we needed to take was between S Springpfuhl and Helene-Weigel-Platz (on route M8 to Ahrensfelde).  This was a relatively short distance that perhaps may have been easier to just walk, but it added another dimension to our traveling experience none-the-less.

Our next destination lead us back to the S-Bahn, from Springpfuhl to Jannowitzbrücke on the S7 Potsdam Hbf line.  This entrance was quite close to the area that we were investigating once we came off the tramline, so that was convenient.  As per the previous experience, the ride was once again quite quick.

Out final use of public transportation involved using the city bus system.  This experience was similar to one you might have in Regina in the sense that you have to scout out the stop that is appropriate for the bus route that you need.  This is difficult if you don't exactly know where the appropriate stop is, as we did experience today and ended up walking farther to a stop that could've been much closer had we known.  The bus that we ended up taking was from Lichtenberger Strasse to U Spittelmarkt with the route 248 U Breitenbachplatz via S-Bhf Südkreuz.

 Overall, the sheer availability of public transportation options in Berlin is quite astounding.  Although it may seem confusing at first, it is relatively easy to figure out how to use it, even if you are just visiting the country as we are.  Together, with each mode of transportation taking you to different areas throughout the city, I get the impression that this system works quite well for the city.

Mini Task 1-Neue Wache

            The interior of the Neue Wache has undergone a series of reforms since it was originally designed by Karl Friedrich Schinkel. It was built from 1815-1818 as a military garrison and guardhouse. Heinrich Tessesnow later on redesigned it as a memorial for those who had fallen victim during World War One. Post World War Two it served as a memorial to those who had fallen victim to Fascism and Militarism by East Berlin. To this present day it stands as a Central Memorial of the Federal Republic of Germany for the Victims of War and Tyranny. Within the center of the memorial a statue built by an artist named Käthe Kollwitz of a mother holding her dead son. This statue has sparked controversy as it has been blown up five times the amount of the original statue thus the people of Berlin feel as though the meaning is taken away.  

Transportation-Mini Task 2

Throughout the day we went on many fun adventures. However, in order to get to these adventures, we had to find a means of transportation. Thankfully, Berlin has plenty of options from getting to one place or another. Some of these options include the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, bus and tram. We ended up experiencing all of these options in order to get to our destinations.

To start off the day we took the U-bahn  (U2) from Spittlemarkt to Klosterstr. Thank goodness we didn’t end up as lost as we did the previous night.

 

Once we were finished at Alexander Platz we took the S-Bahn (S7) to springpfuhl.

  

  

We then transferred onto a tram (M8) from Springpfuhl to Ahrensfelde. This tram was extremely hot due to the fact that it did not have air conditioning.

  

 

 Next it was off to the S-Bahn (S7) again from Springpfuhl to Jannowitzabrucke. Where we got a tad bit lost and ended up on a bus.

 

 

We then took bus 248 from Lichtenberger Street to our hotel stop, Spittlemarkt.

 

Minitask: Transportation

  The first mode of transportation used was the U-Bahn rail network, which is characterized by its underground rail system.  U-Bahn stations incorporated aspects of Berlin’s history into its décor. For example tile Babylon columns which represent archaeological expeditions to Iran commissioned by Berlin, or previous iterations of train cars shown on posters in Klosterstrasse station.

  The S-Bahn was subsequently used, with Alexanderplatz as the starting off point. The station is impressive with its arched ribbed ceiling, making it a defining feature of the Alexanderplatz area.

  Compared to other urban rail transportation, U-Bahn/S-Bahn markedly differs in the necessity to push a button to open the car doors. Possibly it is more efficient to require user input to open the doors, or it was an aspect of older train cars and Berlin has not been able to replace them.

The third method of travel was the tram. The tram’s station we used was very simple, little more than a platform. The ability to buy transit tickets in the tram itself is an interesting use of space. Curious to know the amount of usage those ticket vending machines generate compared to more usual places like a U-Bahn station.

  The lack of turnstiles to check for transit tickets prevents groups of people from bunching up or bottlenecking, making transportation easier.  However the tickets themselves are not of the highest quality since they are not used unless called upon by a ticket inspector, or boarding a bus. 

Journey Step	Transport Type	Line#	Photo
1	U-Bahn	U2
2	U-Bahn	U2
3	S-Bahn	S7
4	S-Bahn	S7
5	Tram	M8
6	Bus	248

Today's Transportation Methods

1st Mode of Transportation

• U-Bahn
• U2
• Spittelmarkt - Klostersterasse
• This is a newer train.  We've been on this one numerous times since we've arrived in Berlin.  We're becoming very familiar with it.

2nd Mode of Transportation 

• S-Bahn
• S7
• Alexanderplatz - Springpfuhl
• This is an older train; it did not have air conditioning and was very warm as the windows did not open in the area where I was sitting.  When we got to the platform at around 1:30, it wasn't as busy as we have seen at other times in the day.  This is surprising since it always seemed so busy.

3rd Mode of Transportation

• Tram
• M8
• Springpfuhl - Helene-Weigel-Platz
• This tram seemed very well used, as it was quite full.  We may had just missed the previous tram, but we waited for what seemed like a long time at the platform for it to arrive.  Stations seemed close together, and it was agonizing to see it stop just a few blocks away.

4th Mode of Transportation

• S-Bahn
• S7
• Springpfuhl - Jannowitzbrüke
• To get to the platform, we walked down a long empty hallway.  There was no art, performers, ads or kiosks along the way, which is unlike most of the other stations we've encountered.  Once we got to the platform, we almost missed the train.  It was just like the previous train on the way there.

5th Mode of Transportation

• City Bus
• #248
• Lichtenberge Str. - Spittelmarkt
• This mode of transport was not easily accessible; Had to walk quite a distance from the S-Bahn station to reach it.  This was also the most confusing since there was a stop near the station, but only for the night line.  Newer bus; Air conditioned.

In What Ways Has Alexanderplatz Changed Since 1990?

Since reunification in 1990, Alexanderplatz has been one of the most important locations in Berlin.  In addition to the large complex of S-, U- and regional train stations, it is also one of the most recognizable locations in the city to meet thanks to the towering TV Tower nearby and the World Clock located within.  While some other areas changed significantly after reunification, Alexanderplatz has undergone more of a gradual change.  The most significant changes to the area are with the public transport stations, having to be restored from the years of abandonment during the Wall.

On the surface, it is harder to tell that things have been changed.  This is due to buildings, both new and old, designed and restored to maintain the identity and designs of the past.  The most notable example is the Galeria Kaufhof whose design in both material and construction closely match the historic buildings next to it.  Buildings, new and old, both took on different occupants – fast food restaurants and other chain-stores are some of the most notable.  Additionally a cinema has moved back into the area adding to the continued life of the area.

Transportation in Berlin

Type	Line	Comment(s)	Trip
U-Bahn	U2	We've visited this station numerous times throughout the previous days and grown accustomed to it.  When the train arrived, it was exactly as expected from previous days -- not too busy, clean and cool.	Spittemarkt - Klosterstrasse
S-Bahn	S7	We had been in Alexanderplatz station once previously, but did not take this particular route.  The train was older, it was incredibly hot, and the windows in our train were stuck closed.	Alexanderplatz - Springpfuhl
Tram	M8	We took this for the sole purpose of having taken a tram for this exercise.  In the time it took for the train to arrive, we could have walked to the next station (where we got off).  It seemed like the tram was really busy at the time that we took it.	Springpfuhl - Helene-Weigel-Platz
S-Bahn	S7	We almost missed this train, which would have been terrible since the S-Bahn trains have more time between them and it was a very hot afternoon.  The station, unlike some others we had seen, was rather bland and the walkway to it was barren and lifeless, although clean.	Springpfuhl - Jannowitzbrüke
Bus	#248	Once we got off the S-Bahn from the previous station, we walked outside only to find that the closest bus stop was down the block and across the street.  We were confused since there was a stop nearby, but as it turns out it was only used by the bus at night.	Lichtenberger Str. - Spittemarkt

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The Trip in Pictures

Mini Task: Transportation

  We started our journey today using the nearby U2 line from Spittelmarkt to Klosster St. One thing I enjoy about traveling using the U-bahn is the individuality of each station. I lived in Ireland for a year and use their rail transport called the DART and all the stations were the same. The layout could differ, but they all had the same elements and colour scheme. I will say, however, that the one close to where I was living had a salt-water marsh biome. 

 

 

 

 

 

 
For our second method of transport we took the S7 line from Alexanderplatz to Springfuhl. It was interesting seeing the change of scenery from the compacted city centre to the more open and green Helene-Wiegel-Platz.

 

 

We then proceed to take the M8 tram from Springfuhl to Helene-Weigel-Platz. This was the first time taking the tram as a class.




















To head back to the hotel, we returned to Springfuhl to take the S7 to Jannowitzbrucke. The Springfuhl station was extremely close to the Helene-Weigel-Platz housing which, in my opinion seems like a decent place to live.

For the final leg of today’s travel we took the 248 bus from the Lichtenberger Str. stop to the Spittelmarkt stop by the hotel. The bus ride was nice as it was also air condition, but also gave a sense of driving on Berlin streets. It was interesting to see that a big city like Berlin did not have a lot of bumper to bumper traffic. In fact from time to time you can hear the sound of a fancy car accelerating a little more than necessary.

Mini Task- Transportation

Throughout the day on May 12, we took a variety of public transportation methods to reach our destinations. These networks of railway and bus lines or easily recognized throughout the city. Through the course of the day we took the public transportation listed in the table below. Method Type                     Line                                  Origin                        Destination
U-bahn                 U2 (Pankow)                    Spittelmarkt              Kosterstraβe
S-bahn                  S7( Ahrensfelde)              Alexanderplatz          Springfuhl
Tram                    M8 (Ahrensfelde)             Springfuhl                  Helen-Weigel-Platz
S-bahn                 S7( Postdam Hbf)             Springfuhl                  Jannowitzbrucke
City Bus              248( U Brietenbackplatz)  Lichtenberger Str.     Spittelmarkt via S-bhf Sudreuz)
                         
Throughout the day I found that the use of the train system is very effective, as we were able to cross a large portion of the city in around 20 minutes. For the sake of taking all types of public transport the tram was taken from one stop to the one directly after it, and a bus was taken from very near Alexanderplatz that carried us directly to our final destination of the day, Spittelmarkt. While not overly effective, this covered all of the public transport bases. The S-bahn could have been taken all the way to Alexanderplatz, where the U-bahn U2 line runs directly to Spittelmarkt