United and Challenged
In the decade following the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, key sections of the S-Bahn network were modernized, and many of the routes that had been closed in 1980 in West Berlin were largely restored and reconnected with the surrounding areas. New trains replaced the pre-war veterans, and Berlin once again became a thriving railway city.
The frenzy of privatization, combined with technical and operational issues, led to a collapse in 2009. Only 25% of the trains were operational—similar to the levels in 1945/46. For weeks, no trains ran on many routes. Slowly, efforts to restore operations, fix technical problems, and regain passengers' trust began.
Modernization continued, however. The once rusty Ostkreuz, nicknamed "Rostkreuz," is now a modern hub. The S-Bahn even reached the new BER airport long before the first flight took off. A new series of trains now runs on the tracks.
As the S-Bahn celebrates its anniversary year, it has once again become a reliable mode of transport, playing a key role in the much-needed shift towards sustainable mobility.
Photo: Berlin S-Bahn Museum Archive