Mobility in Treptow-Köpenick: Challenges and Initiatives in January 2026

Safety on the Streets: Missing Pathway Lighting and Political Response

A central topic that spanned several meetings and motions was the lack of pathway lighting in the Sterndamm / Stubenrauchstraße area in Berlin-Johannisthal. The footpath, which is heavily used by children, families, and elderly people, has been unlit for a long time. The Stromnetz Berlin GmbH turned off the lighting at the request of the Senate Department, which affected both traffic safety and general feelings of security.

The district council responded to the situation and demanded the lighting be reactivated as well as an interim solution in the short term, especially during the darker months of the year. Mobile lighting systems were proposed as a possible option. In addition, the district council urged the district office to push the Senate Department for a binding timeline. The 39th meeting of the Committee for Streets, Green Spaces and Public Order, held on 21.01.2026, also addressed this issue. The political debate underlines the importance of infrastructural measures to ensure social protection and safety in urban spaces.

Improvements in Public Transport: Bus Line 160 and Tram Solutions

Another focus in mobility policy was increasing the capacity of Bus Line 160, which runs between Siriusstraße and Hasselwerderstraße. In the mornings between 7 and 9 a.m., the line is heavily overcrowded, especially for students and people with strollers or walking aids. The parallel operation of the M11/X11 is insufficient to meet the demand.

The SPD, Die Linke, and B'90Grüne jointly submitted a motion calling for an increase in capacity through additional buses or articulated buses. The motion was discussed in several meetings, including on 29.01.2026 in the Committee for Urban Development, Construction and Environmental and Nature Conservation. Political actors emphasized the necessity of better connectivity in the commuter traffic to reduce social and structural inequality.

Another proposal aims to improve tram stops in Oberschöneweide. An additional stop in Edisonstraße north of the Siemensstraße and Griechische Allee intersections was proposed to better integrate the area into the public transport network. Currently, stops are only located at the endpoints of the housing developments, which restricts accessibility for residents of the Griechische Allee. The motion was submitted to the district council in January 2026 and discussed there.

Long-term Planning: Sports and Leisure Facilities

In addition to measures aimed at improving daily mobility, there were also long-term planning initiatives that will influence everyday life and social life in Treptow-Köpenick. An example is the zoning plan 9-102 ("Quittenweg") in the district of Altglienicke. The planned area includes the construction of a new sports complex with large and small playing fields, beach volleyball courts, a running track, and a sports function building. The site will be used in the long term for social infrastructure and sports offerings, promoting not only physical health but also social integration.

Another project concerns the park at Friedenskirche in Grünau, which is proposed as a permanent meeting and event space. The park is already a barrier-free gathering place for social and cultural events. However, it has only been approved as a temporary event space so far, leading to bureaucratic hurdles. The goal is to make the park a permanent platform for Christmas markets, neighborhood festivals, and cultural and sports events. This is an example of the district's efforts to strengthen leisure and meeting spaces that are accessible to all population groups.

Conclusion: Mobility as a Central Element for Quality of Life

January 2026 has shown that mobility in Treptow-Köpenick is a multifaceted topic that encompasses both short-term action needs and long-term planning. The restoration of pathway lighting, the expansion of public transport offerings, and the creation of new sports and leisure facilities are examples of how mobility policy can influence quality of life. The political discussions and decisions also reflect the priorities of the district council – safety, inclusion, and social infrastructure. In the coming months, it will be interesting to observe how these initiatives develop in practice and what impact they have on daily life in Treptow-Köpenick.