On Tue, 11 Oct 2005 19:59:35 +0100, Ian Jelf
wrote:

In message , Paul Corfield
writes
My recent trip to Berlin uncovered a range of extremely detailed
booklets covering the Berlin regional fare system. As with many such
systems it is a complex structure but at least information is readily
available. Much of this was also covered in a superb Berlin Atlas that
shows all the transport routes overlaid on a very clear street atlas
complete with schematic diagrams and frequency guides for every bus,
tram and U Bahn line.
This is very common in Germany. A lot of the area ADAC (German AA/RAC)
area street atlases have such information. For various reasons,
though, service revisions are pretty unco0ommon by comparison with the
UK!

Well the Berlin Atlas had an excellent supplement that detailed all the
changes that had taken place since publication including revised U Bahn
and Metrobus / Metrotram networks where these applied. The U Bahn
service structure has changed quite considerably since my last visit and
has changed a fair bit even this year as has the S Bahn - there is still
loads of work going on.

They also had good quality leaflets about works on the tram routes for
October in the trams and an in house magazine available free on the
buses. There was also good information on S Bahn service alterations -
again with revised network maps - which my limited German skills allowed
me to broadly understand.

All a bt of a step up in quality from London practice although I accept
tube information about planned works is pretty good these days. Bus
service information - especially about changes - is dire unless you rely
on the Internet.
--
Paul C


Admits to working for London Underground!