Rail operators under fire for service interruptions and delays - LNVG voices criticism
In the heart of Lower Saxony, the railway operator Start Niedersachsen Mitte is under scrutiny due to persistent issues with passenger operations. The company's goal is to address these problems and restore stability, particularly on the RB 37, RB 79, and RB 77 lines, which have been identified as among the four most unreliable in the region.
Recent data shows that about a quarter of connections on the RB 37 line alone failed in the last updated month of March, leading to a surge of customer complaints. Pro Bahn, a passenger association, has been vocal about the conditions on these lines, describing them as "unacceptable."
The spokesperson for the state's local transport company (LNVG) has stated that Start should present a reliable concept for all lines by the start of the school term. However, the company faces challenges such as personnel availability, train maintenance issues, and an increased sick rate among staff.
Start Niedersachsen Mitte has acknowledged these operational issues, attributing them to a variety of factors including construction sites with speed restrictions, single-track sections without overtaking possibilities, technical vehicle failures, delays from previous train journeys, and personnel shortages.
The situation has become so critical that LNVG is considering terminating the transport contract with Start Niedersachsen Mitte, but finds this option impractical due to the lack of available personnel and maintenance capacity at other railway companies.
In an effort to tackle the temporary shortages, Start Niedersachsen Mitte is collaborating with personnel service providers. However, Pro Bahn has gone a step further, demanding the termination of the contract with Start and the awarding of the contract to another railway company through emergency procurement.
The Heidekreuz and Weser/Lammetal railway lines are also affected by frequent delays and cancellations. Some trains, according to Pro Bahn, only exist on paper.
Despite these challenges, it's important to note that other lines in Lower Saxony, such as the RE1, RE8, and RS1, continue to connect Bremen with Verden and further to Hannover, while the RE18 and RS3 lines connect Osnabrück with Oldenburg and potentially Wilhelmshaven. However, these lines often experience delays and cancellations due to ongoing infrastructure work.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information about specific delays or cancellations, it's recommended to check the latest timetables and announcements from VBN or other local transport providers. Additionally, platforms like innomatch Niedersachsen highlight the importance of collaboration and innovation in the region, which might indirectly influence transportation by promoting technological advancements in infrastructure.
- The finance department of LNVG, the state's local transport company, may need to allocate additional funds to address the personnel and maintenance challenges faced by Start Niedersachsen Mitte, in order to prevent potential contract termination and ensure public-transit operations run smoothly.
- In the wake of unreliable transportation services provided by Start Niedersachsen Mitte, Pro Bahn is advocating for a change in the industry, proposing emergency procurement of a new railway contractor to improve the RB 37, RB 79, RB 77, Heidekreuz, and Weser/Lammetal lines, plagued by numerous issues.
