- France to train train drivers for the South Bath line
The French national railway company is training train drivers who can operate regional trains on the cross-border route between the southern German town of Müllheim and the French city of Mulhouse. However, buses will continue to serve as a replacement until the end of the year, the French railway's regional office responsible for the Grand Est region told the German Press Agency. "The situation should normalize at the beginning of next year," a spokeswoman announced.
The neighboring country's national railway has been lacking personnel for traffic on the route to Germany for some time. The mayors of the major cities of Freiburg im Breisgau and Mulhouse (Mulhouse) criticized the interruption of the rail connection last year, as reported by Freiburg's independent mayor Martin Horn. Müllheim is located south of Freiburg.
Only the SNCF has, according to previous statements by the Stuttgart Ministry of Transport, vehicles that can run between Müllheim and Mulhouse. And these vehicles are operated exclusively by French train drivers.
As the Baden-Württemberg Ministry now reported on request, it is not involved in the training of the train personnel. That is the responsibility of the SNCF. The ministry of state transport minister Winfried Hermann (Greens) has pressed the Grand Est region and the SNCF for a swift solution. "However, the SNCF has remained firm in its position that the earliest possible date for the resumption of traffic is January 2025," a ministry spokesman explained.
The reopening of the railway line in 2012 was then seen as an important signal for the German-French partnership in the region. The connection has a long tradition, dating back to the 19th century.
The lack of locomotive drivers within the SNCF has led to the interruption of traffic on the cross-border route from Müllheim to Mulhouse, necessitating the use of buses. With the training of new locomotive drivers by the French national railway company, the normal operation of regional trains is anticipated at the beginning of next year.
