On 22 November 2025, the section of tram line 21 between Holteistraße and Marktstraße was closed. Shortly after midnight, the last regular tram travelled along this section — in the coming years, the line will be divided into two separate routes. The reasons for this are considerable track wear along Boxhagener Straße and Marktstraße, as well as the long-term planning of a new tram route via Ostkreuz station, which has been in the pipeline for over a decade.
Replacement buses – temporary solution with buses and new structure
Bus services will replace tram services on the affected section: the new route means that tram 21 will no longer run continuously. Instead, the northern line will terminate at Bersarinplatz, from where replacement buses will run to the Hegemeisterweg stop on Treskowallee. Passengers travelling towards Schöneweide will have to change to other lines there. In the southern section south of Marktstraße, tram services will continue to operate at least between Blockdammweg and Schöneweide.
From 14 December, services are expected to return to normal: Line 21 North will then run between Lichtenberg station and Holteistraße, and Line 21 South between Marktstraße and Schöneweide. In this new situation, the replacement service will no longer be required, but the connection between the Ost and Rummelsburg sections will remain interrupted until the planned gap closure via Ostkreuz is completed.
Reasons for partial closure – ageing tracks and questionable profitability
According to the BVG, which is responsible for operations and the route, the poor condition of the tracks no longer allows for safe tram operation. Recently, trams have been travelling at walking pace on this section. The damage and the need for renovation are so severe that renovation seems economically unviable — especially given that a new route directly connected to Ostkreuz is already planned.
However, this argument has been met with criticism from many users, residents and interest groups: the replacement by buses and the long-term interruption of the connection are seen as a step backwards, which will particularly weaken local mobility and accessibility in eastern Berlin.
Prospects & risks – hope for new construction
The main goal remains the construction of the 1.2 km long new line via Ostkreuz — connecting the two existing termini of line 21. However, the schedule for this project is also uncertain. The documents for the planning approval process have had to be redrafted several times, most recently due to objections and conditions requiring changes. It remains unclear when construction will actually begin.
If construction is delayed or postponed again, the current partial closure threatens to become a permanent weakening of public transport connections in eastern Berlin in the longer term. Without a binding transition strategy – such as adequate replacement transport, replacement routes or a clear timetable – this could anger many passengers and weaken confidence in transport policy in the medium term.
Between pragmatic restructuring and missed opportunity
The decision to partially close Line 21 and build a new line via Ostkreuz can be seen as strategically sound: replacing ageing infrastructure and creating sustainable routes for the long term is in line with a modern approach to urban and transport planning. At the same time, this step should not be viewed simply as a cost-benefit analysis: social accessibility, mobility equity and suitability for everyday use must also be taken into account.
Without a clear timetable, reliable transitional solutions and transparent communication, there is a risk that the measure will be perceived as a sign of a lack of commitment to East Berlin. The historic special trips offer a symbolic tribute to the past — but without rapid new construction, Line 21 threatens to become a ‘distant memory of better times’ in the medium term.
Historic farewell and symbolic special trips
As a final farewell to the old route, the Nahverkehr Berlin (DVN) association has organised a series of special trips with historic Tatra T6A2 trams. These trips serve as a reminder of the route’s past and are intended to invite the general public to say goodbye before the same route becomes unusable ‘for good’.
28.11.2025
