Berlin: S-Bahn and Local Trains Suffer Severely From Warning Strike
The second nationwide work action by train drivers' union GDL started late Thursday night, causing major concerns in Berlin and Brandenburg's rail traffic. Deutsche Bahn announced early Friday morning that only a handful of trips would be available on their regional services. "This is essentially an emergency timetable — far from usual service," they clarified.
Trains on the regional express lines, RE3 between Angermünde and Berlin-Gesundbrunnen, RE4 between Rathenow and Berlin-Spandau, and RE5 between Rostock and Berlin, were among the few running. Additionally, trains traversed RE7 between Bad Belzig and Berlin-Wannsee and between Berlin-Ostkreuz and Lübben.
Despite these isolated instances, Deutsche Bahn urges all commuters to steer clear of travel or postpone their journeys.
Emergency Measures on Four S-Bahn Lines
On four S-Bahn lines, trains will operate every 20 minutes on Friday, primarily to connect outlying districts with Berlin's city center. These include the S3 (Erkner-Ostbahnhof), S46 (Königs Wusterhausen-Schöneberg), S5 (Strausberg Nord-Ostbahnhof), and the S9 (Friedrichstraße-Flughafen BER T1-2).
On other routes, Deutsche Bahn has also arranged for buses to operate along the S-Bahn lines S25 North (Hennigsdorf-Tegel) and S25 South (Teltow Stadt-Lichterfelde Ost), providing a temporary solution for passengers.
Hidden Challenges in the Railroad System
Not just the GDL union's strike poses challenges to the railroad system. As tariffs and ticket prices escalate during this period, navigating the German railroad system becomes more expensive for travelers. Brandenburg's railways, including cities like Rathenow, also experience significant disruptions due to the warning strike, leading to fewer trains and prolonged travel times.
Enrichment Insights:
A separate, yet related issue arises in the context of the BVG (Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe) strike in Berlin. Commuters are exploring alternative transport options, like bicycles and rideshare services. Bus routes like the 124 become vital alternatives for passengers with limited public transportation options.
On the affected S-Bahn lines, signal issues besides the BVG strike result in additional complications. These lines include S2, S26, S45, S46, S8, S85, and S9.
