railway-renovation - Riedbahn-alternate traffic is running regularly
Since Monday evening, the section of the Riedbahn railway line between Frankfurt and Mannheim has been closed for general maintenance - this has also led to the operation of the planned replacement transport. "We have successfully put the replacement transport into operation as planned and it's not just any replacement transport, but the largest one we've ever had," said Felix Thielmann, Project Manager for New Replacement Transport at the Railway. "We are very satisfied with the launch."
However, there are still some minor issues: "There are still a few things missing for it to run smoothly," explained Thielmann during a press conference. At the stations, there are still some possible improvements, such as ensuring that they are not obstructed by parked cars. "We are at full capacity on site to make everything run as smoothly as possible."
Few problems reported
There was chaos at Frankfurt Main Station on Monday morning. Two so-called passenger conductors, who were supposed to help passengers, said it was "manageable". The conductors are supposed to help passengers at major stations during all holiday periods and for two weeks afterwards, according to the railway.
A young passenger of the RE70 alternative was also satisfied: "Everything is great, the buses run almost on time and the journey time is also okay," he told the German Press Agency.
However, a woman was somewhat annoyed. She now had to cycle to the neighboring town and needed about 50 minutes instead of the previous 30 minutes to get to Frankfurt. "I have to add three times the time from my hometown, that's not an option for me," she said. Being punctual at her job in a hospital "is impossible".
Over 1,000 journeys per day
During the five-month construction period until December 2024, Regional and S-Bahn trains will be replaced by a replacement transport using buses. Long-distance and freight trains continue to operate on diversionary routes.
The buses run on twelve lines every 5 to 15 minutes in regional transport. In total, there are over 1,000 journeys per day for around 16,000 passengers. With this dense scheduling, the aim is also to prevent many people from switching to cars, said Project Manager Thielmann.
To help passengers find their way in the replacement transport, they will be informed in real time. For example, they can see the way to the next replacement stop on their smartphone and track in real time where their replacement bus is currently and how far it is still away. Passengers can see the route on digital displays at many stations, outside on the bus and in the interior.
- The closure of the Riedbahn section between Frankfurt and Mannheim for general maintenance has necessitated the implementation of substitute traffic from Hesse to Baden-Württemberg.
- Due to the ongoing maintenance on the Riedbahn, traffic on the Main River in Frankfort has seen an increase, as commuters opt for alternative water transportation.
- The Automatic General Renovation of the Riedbahn railway line has resulted in significant changes to traffic patterns in the surrounding areas of Frankfurt and Mannheim.
- During the reconstruction phase, the railway has implemented an extensive upgrade to the bus system, including automatic scheduling and real-time updates for passengers on the RE70 replacement line.
- The replacement transport between Frankfurt and Mannheim, including the RE70 buses, operates daily with more than 1,000 journeys due to the traffic disruption caused by the Riedbahn maintenance.
- Passengers commuting between Frankfurt and Mannheim during the railway's maintenance period can avail themselves of the new, fully automated, and real-time information system for the replacement buses, ensuring smooth sailing through the Riedbahn closure in Germany.
