Again and again, people are found in the track bed of the Berlin Underground. The reasons for this vary – but the danger is clear and always equally high: descending into the track bed can be fatal with even the slightest contact with the live conductor rail.
The subway trains are powered by a live rail that is permanently charged with 750 volts during normal operation. This continuous power supply is essential for safe and reliable operation – whether trains are moving or stationary.
For this reason, the track bed must not be entered under any circumstances. The live rail is usually located to the side and parallel to the running rails (mostly on the outside) and is brightly painted yellow at our facilities. Nevertheless, it is often underestimated.
Important: In addition to the electrical hazard, there is always a risk to life from approaching trains in the track bed. All of this also applies to the S-Bahn also.
What should you do if an item falls onto the track bed? If you drop something like AirPods, a phone or similar onto the track bed, the rule is: never climb down yourself – ever! Instead, do the following: Go to the emergency and information call pillar on the platform. Press the yellow button (for information and assistance, not for acute emergencies). Alternatively, speak to our security staff on site.
What should you do if someone is in the track bed? If a person is in the track bed or if it is: a medical emergency, a criminal offence, or a situation that could endanger rail operations (e.g. larger objects on the tracks), then please act immediately: First of all, use one of the alarm levers installed at the stations. This will put you in direct contact with the underground operations control centre, which can immediately initiate the necessary measures. Alternatively, contact our security staff directly.
Conclusion
Urgent warning: The track area must never be entered. Under no circumstances should you go into the track bed. The live conductor rails running there carry high voltage, which can be fatal even with minimal contact. Whether items or people are involved: always use the emergency and information pillar and contact our security staff. Your safety comes first – always.