Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe

Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) is the primary public transportation provider in Berlin, Germany. It operates the city’s U-Bahn subway system, tram network, bus lines, and ferry services on the Spree and Havel rivers. These services collectively facilitate urban mobility for residents, commuters, and visitors within the Berlin metropolitan area. As the municipal transport company, BVG integrates ticketing and fare collection across its various modes, including the Berlin‑Abo subscription scheme. The operator coordinates with regional authorities to ensure service reliability and coverage throughout the city. Its role extends to supporting major events and providing accessible transport options for all passenger groups.

BVG is a municipal enterprise owned exclusively by the State of Berlin, giving it a distinct public‑sector governance structure. The May 2025 cyberattack on an external service provider demonstrated the operator’s exposure to cyber threats, resulting in unauthorized access to customer data such as names, addresses, email addresses, customer numbers and Berlin‑Abo contract numbers. Although the breach did not appear to involve bank details, it affected roughly 180,000 customers and prompted coordination with the Berlin data protection authority. As a critical infrastructure operator, BVG is required to maintain continuous service delivery while implementing additional security measures following incidents. Its role encompasses both the provision of reliable public transport and the safeguarding of passenger information against evolving cyber risks. These responsibilities position BVG as a key player in urban transport within the Berlin metropolitan area.