Unhappy Pro Bahn Overlooks Positives in Hanover's Rail Upgrade Plan
The passenger advocacy group, Pro Bahn, voiced disapproval towards Deutsche Bahn's 2024 timetable update for Lower Saxony and Bremen, set to kick off on December 10th. Despite certain enhancements, Malte Diehl, regional head of Pro Bahn, deemed the overall changes insufficient for the group's goal of doubling passenger numbers by 2030.
A silver lining, as recognized by Pro Bahn, is the improvement on the Amsterdam-Rhine/Ruhr-Berlin east-west axis. This transformation promises a half-hourly frequency from Hanover to Berlin starting for the first time. In tandem, Bielefeld will also secure at least two train journeys each hour by Hanover-bound long-distance trains. Additional links to western destinations are anticipated, albeit with the maintenance of poor punctuality due to ongoing congestion.
Regrettably, despite the east-west axis' progress, Pro Bahn scrutinized the stagnancy within long-distance transport along main routes from Hamburg, Bremen, and Osnabrück to the Ruhr region or via Hanover to south Germany.
Notably, only modest improvements are found on routes like Hildesheim-Braunschweig-Wolfsburg, thanks to the elimination of the double-track Weddel loop in March 2024. Briefly, this Development promptly brings about a half-hourly service during peak hours on the Hildesheim-Braunschweig segment, Monday through Friday. In the eastern section to Wolfsburg, trains will run hourly every day.
On top, the Rheine-Osnabrück-Löhne route will champion an additional two-hourly regional express line (RE 62), boasting up to nine daily train pairs. In contrast, most other routes remain untouched, with minimal advancements.
Pro Bahn currently stands firm on their request for routine half-hourly regional services on significant connections and daily hourly services on all routes as the bare minimum. Furthermore, they press for concrete action towards achieving the Deutschlandtakt, set to deliver coordinated, fast, and reliable connections.
Relevant Enrichments:
To escalate long-distance rail transportation in Lower Saxony and Bremen and fulfill Pro Bahn's aspiration to double passenger numbers by 2030, Deutsche Bahn (DB) can strategize by:
- Infrastructure Upgrades: Leverage ongoing renovation projects, like upgrading 180 kilometers of track and 200 switches, along with modernizing 28 stations, to improve accessibility and passenger facilities. Prioritize track electrification, which will enhance operational efficiency and minimize environmental impact.
- Operational Efficiency: Focus on enacting measures to enhance punctuality and integrate advanced systems, such as the European Train Control System (ETCS), on high-capacity segments. This will bolster operational flexibility and safety.
- Enhanced Passenger Experience: Implement customer services, like flexible aftersales policies and superior onboard catering experiences, to boost traveler satisfaction. Ensure stations in Lower Saxony and Bremen are upgraded to adhere to modern accessibility standards.
- Freight Management: Review the diversion strategy during renovations to address concerns from freight railway representatives. Engage with local authorities to plan and develop projects that align with regional objectives.
- Sustainability Commitments: Align with Eurostar's 100% renewable energy target by 2030 and reduce the environmental impact of the rail network. Continue to hold public information sessions to maintain transparency throughout the renovation process.
- Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate with local authorities to ensure the rail network caters to regional goals, thereby fostering widespread support for the improvement plans.
By adhering to these strategies, Deutsche Bahn can fortify its long-distance rail services' efficiency, reliability, and sustainability in Lower Saxony and Bremen, coming one step closer to meeting Pro Bahn’s ambitious goal of doubling passenger numbers by 2030.
