- Senator embraces renovation of Hamburg-Berlin railway track.
Hamburg's Transport Chief, Anjes Tjarks, is happy that the Hamburg-Berlin rail line is getting an overhaul. "For years, Germany's rail network has been functioning on a 'use-and-toss' basis. In many parts, the core network is in dire need of repairs," a spokesperson for the transport and mobility transition authority stated on Monday. It's right and necessary that the federal government is pumping money into the railway network's modernization. The federal government is chipping in 2.2 billion euros just for the trip to Berlin alone. "We generally support infrastructure improvements, although we know it will cause hassles for commuters," the statement added. Deutsche Bahn has a plan to set up bus replacement traffic and detours to minimize the disruptions as much as possible.
Fewer Trains and Longer Journey Times
The rail line renovation between Hamburg and Berlin began over the weekend. Commuters in long-distance and regional traffic should brace themselves for a significant reduction in train services until December 14. In long-distance traffic, only two out of the usual four lines will be operational. The other trains will be diverted via Stendal (Saxony-Anhalt), adding 45 minutes to the travel time and running only once an hour instead of twice. In regional traffic between Hamburg and Schwerin, replacement buses are in operation.
Will the Green politician stick to his car-free policy?
The authority didn't comment on how the senator will commute to Berlin in the coming months given the rail line renovations. Last week, the Senate confirmed that Tjarks doesn't use a service car. "Instead, he relies on a mixed mobility system, including public transportation, regional and long-distance trains, and the bicycle," was their response to an AFD parliamentary group's inquiry.
During the rail line renovation, the federal government is investing in the conversion and rehabilitation of the Hamburg-Berlin route. This upgrade will cause a temporary reduction in train services, with only two long-distance lines operating and longer journey times due to detours via Stendal.
