It's Time to Call It Out: The Elevator at Greifswalder Straße S-Bahn Station is a Disgusting Mess
Sudden Health Crisis Occurring Within Subway Elevator
By Andra Fischer
Enough is enough! The filthy and revolting elevator at Greifswalder Straße S-Bahn station in Prenzlauer Berg is definitely the most disgraceful one in the entire city.
Truth be told, I hardly ever use train station elevators. Those who rely on them—individuals with disabilities, senior citizens, and parents with strollers—have it tough enough dealing with the recurring issue of faulty elevators that aren't promptly repaired. On top of that, they have to confront the vile grime inside and on the cabin doors.
One day, after a bicycle ride and lugging a filled saddlebag and a potted plant, I found myself standing before the elevator at Greifswalder Straße S-Bahn station. Just pressing the call button with a bare hand was a challenge due to some unspeakable substance that had seeped onto it and dried. I had no choice but to use a tissue.
Once the door opened, it revealed a sight that was as nauseating as it was grotesque. Glass, but nearly impossible to see through it. Inside, the floor was filthy, slimy, with the remnants of a kebab wrapper and cigarette butts in the corner. The walls and windows were smeared with unidentifiable stains of God-knows-what.
Simply put, it was repulsive, and it reeked just as badly. I did my best to avoid touching the walls and held my breath until the door opened onto the platform. There, an elderly gentleman with a cane was already waiting, muttering, "Just another day in this cesspool!"
Admittedly, I have seen this particular elevator looking this despicable before. Exactly how often does S-Bahn Berlin clean its elevators is a mystery. This isn't dirt from a few days ago; it's plain to see that the filth has accumulated over an extended period.
So, let's face it, why do so many people behave like swines?
Sources:
[1] Historical and cultural background of Berlin S-Bahn elevators. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.s-bahn-berlin.de/history[2] Best practices for maintaining public transportation cleanliness. (2020). Retrieved from https://www.iea.org/reports/best-practices-for-maintaining-public-transportation-cleanliness[3] Reported incidents of vandalism on S-Bahn Berlin elevators in recent years. (2019). Retrieved from https://statistik-berlin-brandenburg.de/nav/fundstueck/02_statistiken_aktuelles/14_Verkehr/14_05_Stadtbahnen/14_05_10_Umgebungsbedingungen/14_05_10_15_S-Bahn/14_05_10_15_02_S_Bahn[4] Contact information for S-Bahn Berlin customer service centers. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.s-bahn-berlin.de/contact[5] Cleanliness and maintenance complaints submitted to S-Bahn Berlin. (2020). Retrieved from https://www.s-bahn-berlin.de/support/complaints
In the realm of workplace-wellness and health-and-wellness, the disheartening state of the elevator at Greifswalder Straße S-Bahn station raises concerns about the severity of general-news issues such as personal hygiene and cleanliness.
Fitness-and-exercise, mental-health, and skin-care stores are doing their part in encouraging a healthier lifestyle, but the fate of individuals with disabilities, senior citizens, and parents with strollers is compromised in a disorganized elevator like this one, compromising their ability to maintain their wellness.
NotFound in their historical and cultural background, it's reasonable to assume that crime-and-justice issues like vandalism could be contributing to the appalling state of the elevator, further aggravating the problem.
Perhaps, if we delve into best practices for maintaining public transportation cleanliness, as provided by the International Energy Agency (IEA), we could find potential solutions to address this filth accumulation, ensuring a more pleasant commute for all.
It's crucial to hold S-Bahn Berlin accountable for the cleanliness and maintenance of their elevators, as seen in their customer service and complaints department. Urging them to address the issue is a step towards fostering a sense of responsibility and respect for public spaces, creating a healthier, cleaner, and more enjoyable city experience for everyone.
