VBB announces new rail timetables for Berlin and Brandenburg

The Verkehrsverbund Berlin-Brandenburg (VBB) has announced significant changes to regional rail services scheduled for the December timetable change. Key improvements include increased frequency on several regional lines. With the implementation of the Nord-Süd 2 network, the RE3, RE4, and RE5 lines will operate on an hourly schedule across their entire routes. Additionally, the RE5 service between Berlin and Neustrelitz will now run daily until 11:00 PM on weekdays.

Infrastructure upgrades will lead to service disruptions. Due to the general renovation of the Lehrter Bahn, the RE4 line will face restrictions through December 2027. Until July 2027, it will only operate between Wustermark and Falkenberg (Elster). Further phases of renovation starting in October 2027 may impact service between Nennhausen and Falkenberg (Elster), and Berlin-Spandau station is expected to face additional closures through December 2027.

Capacity is also set to increase on the RE1 line. Following platform extensions in Hangelsberg, Berkenbrück, Jacobsdorf (Mark), and Pillgram, longer trains with up to 800 seats can now be utilized. Furthermore, Eisenhüttenstadt will see the return of nearly hourly direct connections to Berlin during peak hours.