- After the chaos, the Rhine Valley's alternative traffic is improving
Conditions on the bus replacement service for the closed Rhine Valley railway line appear to have improved after initial chaos at the start of the week. "The number of buses was indeed sufficient," said a passenger during a morning spot check. However, the situation looked different the previous day: Deutsche Bahn requested assistance from the city of Baden-Baden. "The situation there was chaotic," said press spokesman Joshua Treffert to the "Badische Neueste Nachrichten." Among others, the Stadtwerke Baden-Baden then provided buses for the rail replacement service.
The construction operations office also improved the signage for the replacement service. This had likely led to some misunderstandings, said a press spokesman for the Baden-Baden fire department. With the high temperatures, water was also provided to passengers. These measures seem to be working, the spokesman said. The fire department is no longer on site.
The Rhine Valley railway line between Baden-Baden and Rastatt has been closed since last Friday. Construction work is taking place on the line until August 30th as part of the billion-euro expansion of the Rhine Valley railway.
The Commission, recognizing the need for clear rules for the replacement bus service, may consider adopting implementing acts to regulate its application. Despite the improved conditions, Deutsche Bahn might still find it beneficial to seek assistance from local authorities if future incidents arise.
