Fahr-Info Berlin removed maps at BVG’s complaint
I was quite shocked today to pull out the most useful app I own, Fahr-Info Berlin … and find that it no longer has an integrated S-Bahn map! It was always a great feeling of comfort to know that wherever I was in Berlin, I can always look at the S-Bahn map on my iPhone to easily get around.
Today I just noticed on its App Store description: “Aufgrund einer Beschwerde der BVG mussten sowohl der Übersichtsnetzplan als auch die Detailpläne entfernt werden. Sorry dafür!” (Because of a complaint from the BVG [Berlin's transport company] we had to remove the overview map as well as the detailed maps. Sorry about that!) I find this completely unacceptable from the BVG. If they can’t provide their own iPhone app, then they should be very happy that another organization has decided to do it for them, and done it incredibly well, I must add.
I’ve travelled much more often since I’ve had this iPhone app, because I never have to wonder about where I am and how to get home. I’ll often find myself with a group of people and we’ll have walked for a while to the point where I’m not entirely sure where I am and I’d like to be able to see a map without having to carry around a paper one in my pocket. I haven’t used the detailed maps yet, but I know I’m often in foreign cities and have to switch to a bus or tram and really have to search hard to find it. Such maps would be incredibly useful in such situations, especially for those just visiting Berlin, not so much for those living here. In fact, I’m much more likely to take taxis more often, because the BVG upsets me so much from their complaint.
I am about to write the BVG to make my own complaint and if you are upset about this as well, I’d ask you to write as well. Their general contact page can be found at http://www.bvg.de/index.php/de/Kontakt/ (just click Allgemeine Anfrage). Hopefully with full Berlin community support, we can get the maps back into this app! Thank you for your support.
Related articles
- Berlin’s public transport company forbids free iPhone app by The Local
- BVG stößt Kunden mit iPhone vor den Kopf by TAZ, a popular German newspaper
not very service orientated. Their mobile site isnt very usefull or nice to use either (mobile.bvg.de)
I think only real letters would help. I wrote one but don’t know were to send it to.
BrutusD, their address is:
Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG)
Anstalt des öffentlichen Rechts
Holzmarktstraße 15-17
10179 Berlin
Germany