Criticism of train delays: Pro Bahn fights for better IC connections in East Thuringia
Criticism of train delays: Pro Bahn fights for better IC connections in East Thuringia
growing dissatisfaction in rail transport: per train raises alarm
The situation in the rail transport of East Thuringia ensures increasing concern among passengers and politicians. The Pro Bahn passenger association has increasingly drawn attention to the inadequate operating quality of the railway lines in recent weeks. In particular, the intercity connections (IC) are affected by frequent delays and cancellations, which significantly reduces trust in Deutsche Bahn.
important connections in danger
The IC line 51, which leads from Gera via Erfurt to Düsseldorf, has often suffered from irregularities recently. This problem is now also transferred to the newly opened IC line 61 between Leipzig, Jena, Nuremberg and Karlsruhe. As a result, there are always complaints from passengers who want the reliable use of the train. "The number of disorders has now exceeded a critical limit that could endanger the passenger volume," explains Olaf Behr, the chairman of the passenger association in Thuringia.
technical problems and lack of staff as causes
The reasons for the recurring problems are diverse. Technical difficulties with trains, insufficient staff and construction sites are main factors that negatively influence the reliable implementation of the timetables. Behr reports that out of 22 planned operating days, the trains drove for only ten days to the planned time. The frustration of passengers grows with a failure rate of over 50 percent.
political reactions and demands
Dissatisfaction has also reached the political level. In an open letter, Mayor and representative of Pro Bahn asked Deutsche Bahn to increase the frequency of IC connections in East Thuringia. The state parliamentary group of the left has also expressed concerns about a possible reduction in IC lines that combine cities such as Erfurt, Jena and Gera. These worries are underpinned by a collection of signatures from Jena who defend themselves against dilution of the offer.
A strong sense of community arises
strong concerns among the population against the small IC offers not only show themselves with local politicians, but also on cross-party support. This illustrates a growing sense of community among users who are interested in a functioning and reliable rail infrastructure. The disturbance of the transport chain that the IC connections offer could have far-reaching effects on mobility and public transport in the region.
conclusion: a call to change
The latest events related to the rail connections in East Thuringia clearly show that the need for improvement in rail traffic is urgent. The effects on passengers and political efforts show that the concerns have to be taken seriously. Another decline in the offers could not only restrict mobility, but also have economic and social consequences for the region.
- Nag