Northbound Traffic Flow - Scheduled train cancellations in Schleswig-Holstein remain in effect
Revised Cancelled Train Services in December Schedule for Schleswig-Holstein. The announcement made back in June revealed potential cancellations, brought about by the lack of federal funds. However, some adjustments have been made since then, as certain planned cuts proved impractical, as confirmed by Transport Minister Claus Ruhe Madsen (CDU) in Kiel.
The initial savings of roughly six million euros annually have been decreased to 4.6 million euros, as per the ministry's report. "Although these cancellations impact only off-peak hours and less than 1.5% of all state connections, they're still a blow and not the message we wish to convey," Madsen remarked. The shortage of funds from the federal government and anticipated track price hikes left the state with no other options.
Together with his counterparts from other federal states, the transport minister continues to press the federal government about its duties. If the regional funding from the federal government escalates or alternative financing solutions surface, the state will rethink the cancellations.
Train Services to Sylt
The potential cancellations for trains heading to the island of Sylt have been reevaluated, according to Madsen. Since the island is not reachable by road, all commuter trains between Westerland and Niebüll will remain intact. However, Sprinter trains will see brief shortenings on weekends between Hamburg and Niebüll.
The RE7 will also be influenced by these changes. One train in each direction will be cancelled on weekends in the late-night traffic between Hamburg and Kiel. Similar adjustments apply to the RE8, which runs from Hamburg to Lübeck. Negotiations with the rail company "erixx" regarding potential cancellations in the network between Kiel and Lübeck are still ongoing.
Despite the pressure on the state to save funds, the cancellation of some train services to Sylt has been reconsidered due to its unique accessibility issues. Other federal states are also seeking additional funding or alternative solutions from the federal government to avoid similar cancellations.
