After the recent snowfall in southern Bavaria, the impact on rail traffic remains evident. Despite the weather improving, issues persist on particular routes, setting the stage for potential chaos on Thursday night. The German train drivers' union, GDL, has announced a warning strike for their long-distance and regional transport workers, adding to the uncertainty for rail travelers.
Deutsche Bahn (DB) reported that the Munich hub, while mostly accessible for long-distance services, still had some limitations. Regional routes in the south and southwest of Munich were largely shut down, with rail traffic remaining impossible on the Werdenfels network. The Bavarian Regiobahn faced individual train cancellations, but most routes eventually resumed their schedules. Repairs and tree removal on the tracks and overhead lines were ongoing and continued to pose challenges.
On the Munich S-Bahn, several trains returned to normal service after being interrupted on various routes. The S4 was facing more demanding repairs due to fallen trees causing overhead line masts to snap, with the line expected to run on a single track again by Thursday.
Bavaria's Transport Minister, Christian Bernreiter (CSU), expressed criticism towards DB for their handling of the extreme weather situation, noting that the Free State invests around 700 million euros annually in the rail network and expects a functioning system in return.
The rail failures have led to discussions in the state parliament, with Deutsche Bahn and Bayerische Eisenbahngesellschaft officials scheduled to address the transport committee on January 23. Flight cancellations continued at Munich Airport, with around 60 out of 560 planned flights being canceled on Wednesday. Weather disruptions were still forecasted for Bavaria throughout the week.
As a responsible traveler, it's essential to remain aware of these disruptions and adjust your travel plans accordingly. Consider exploring local attractions or using alternative transportation methods like the city's tram or bus services to have enjoyable experiences in Bavaria during this period.
Insights: The heavy snowfall in southern Bavaria disrupted the normal rail traffic, and the low temperatures made tree removal and overhead line repairs challenging and time-consuming. The potential train drivers' union strike added to the uncertainty for rail travelers, although its direct impact on German rail services in this region remains to be seen.
