Severe restrictions on rail traffic in central Germany
In Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia, significant restrictions on rail traffic are to be expected on Thursday. "Virtually nothing is running," a Deutsche Bahn spokesperson told the German Press Agency on Thursday morning. The German Train Drivers' Union (GDL) had called for a 20-hour warning strike at Deutsche Bahn.
The Central German region is particularly badly affected, as the GDL's level of organization is very high here. As a result, a large number of cancellations can be expected, particularly on regional services. According to Deutsche Bahn, the few long-distance trains via Leipzig and Erfurt are affected by very high capacity utilization.
Deutsche Bahn is advising travelers to postpone or cancel their journeys. Tickets can be redeemed later or exchanged free of charge.
According to the railroad spokesperson, smooth rail services are not expected to resume until Friday morning at the earliest.
Due to the GDL's strike at Deutsche Bahn, tariffs for alternative transportation modes might increase significantly in the affected areas. The traffic congestion on roads due to diverting train passengers could lead to longer travel times for vehicles on the railroad routes.
Source: www.dpa.com
