Proposal sought for a road safety regulation on the transportation of hazardous materials.
In the heart of Berlin, the BVG Muva minibuses have become a familiar sight, travelling a maximum of five kilometres and picking up and dropping off passengers at designated stops. However, these on-demand buses might disappear from the city's streets by the end of the year, potentially causing a significant loss of freedom for users like Ursula Grimm.
The BVG Muva service, launched as a pilot project, has seen growing user numbers and positive public reception for its flexible, demand-responsive transport. But despite these successes, key factors are influencing its discontinuation.
Budget constraints and funding issues are a significant hurdle. Operating on-demand shuttle services like Muva can be more expensive per passenger compared to traditional fixed-route buses. Although ridership has grown, the cost structure and subsidies required may not align with the Berlin Transport Authority’s budget plans, making it financially unsustainable without continued or increased funding.
Political and strategic priorities also play a role. The local government or BVG management might prioritize other transportation projects or modes, such as expanding traditional bus lines, cycling infrastructure, or U-Bahn extensions, over maintaining or scaling an on-demand service.
Operational complexities and challenges in integrating Muva smoothly into the broader Berlin public transport system—including fare systems, scheduling, and coverage—might lead to reconsideration of its viability. On-demand services require a high level of operational flexibility, technology integration, and backend logistics.
Evaluations often consider long-term sustainability, equity, and overall system impact. If projections or evaluations suggest limited long-term benefits or difficulties scaling, discontinuation can result.
Despite these challenges, the high acceptance of the BVG Muva service is due to its focus on participation and mobility freedom for all, regardless of physical condition. Xanthi Doubara, managing director of the transport company Via, emphasises this point.
For Ursula Grimm, a wheelchair user, the BVG Muva service is a crucial part of her life, providing a means of self-determination. She has used the service over 230 times since March, and it's a vital component of her planned and spontaneous trips, requiring half an hour of planning.
However, many taxis do not have barrier-free vehicles, making them an unfeasible alternative for people with disabilities. The BVG Muva service, with its focus on safety and high standards for handling passengers, offers a much-needed alternative.
In March 2025, the number of rides per month for the BVG Muva service increased to over 24,000. Since then, the service has been expanded to include seniors, pregnant women, people with rollators, crutches, strollers, or heavy luggage. The service is free, provided passengers have a valid ticket, and can be booked via app or phone.
Despite the potential discontinuation, Xanthi Doubara remains optimistic about continuing dialogue with politics and administration regarding the future of the BVG Muva service. An online petition has been created to preserve the service, with thousands of supporters and Ursula Grimm among them.
As the city considers its transportation future, the BVG Muva service serves as a reminder of the importance of accessible, flexible, and demand-responsive transport for all Berliners.
The financial constraints faced by the Berlin Transport Authority, such as the higher cost per passenger for demand-responsive services like BVG Muva compared to traditional buses, may lead to discontinuation without continued or increased funding. (finance)
Political and strategic priorities, like expanding traditional bus lines, cycling infrastructure, or U-Bahn extensions, could shift resources away from maintaining or scaling on-demand services like the BVG Muva, potentially putting its future at risk. (industry, transportation)
