Successful Recruitment: More Trains in NRW - NRW restores full train schedule after hiring 700 new drivers
{"headline": "Successful Recruitment: More Trains in NRW Again", "teaser": "Successful Recruitment: More Trains in NRW", "kicker": "Successful Recruitment: More Trains in NRW", "publication_date": "2025-12-08T04:01:34+00:00", "keyword_names": "nrw, north-rhine-westphalia, oliver krischer, train drivers, rail traffic, train cancellations, düsseldorf, sunday, german press agency, traffic, rail, north-rhine-westphalia, finance, public-transit, transportation, business", "article_body": "North Rhine-Westphalia is set to restore its full train timetable by December 14, 2025. The move comes after a year of reduced services aimed at improving reliability. Authorities had previously cut four percent of all connections to tackle unplanned cancellations caused by staff shortages. A year ago, officials in NRW removed a portion of train services to address ongoing delays and cancellations. The reduction led to a significant drop in last-minute disruptions, cutting unplanned cancellations by over 50%. Despite this progress, staff shortages remained a persistent issue, affecting 5.4% of trains in 2024. The return to a full timetable follows a year of targeted reductions and intensive recruitment. With 700 newly trained drivers now in place, NRW aims to eliminate last-minute cancellations linked to staff shortages. The change will restore all previously cut connections, providing passengers with a more reliable service."}
