Warning strike hits regional transport
Due to the nationwide warning strike by the German Train Drivers' Union (GDL), many train services in Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland are expected to be canceled from Wednesday evening. The warning strike by the German Train Drivers' Union (GDL) will have a "massive impact on all long-distance, regional and suburban rail services operated by Deutsche Bahn", according to a statement from Deutsche Bahn. In addition, it cannot be ruled out that the warning strike will also affect other railroad companies that are not on strike.
The strike is scheduled to begin on Wednesday evening at 10 p.m. and end on Thursday evening at 6 p.m. "The aim is to run a greatly reduced service on regional services," said a railroad spokeswoman. The extent to which this is possible varies greatly from region to region. DB advised its passengers to postpone non-essential journeys. Travelers should therefore inform themselves about connections before their journey, it said.
The Mittelrheinbahn, which operates the regional line RB 26 between Mainz and Cologne, expects severe restrictions: "We will have serious cancellations," said a spokesperson for the operator Trans Regio on Wednesday. There is a greatly reduced emergency timetable. But there could be restrictions there too: In addition to train drivers, dispatchers, who control rail traffic, have also been called out on strike. If they are absent, the routes will be closed to all providers.
The rail company Vlexx assumed on Wednesday that its lines would run according to the regular timetable. The employees have not been called to strike. However, if there is a strike on rail infrastructure, cancellations and delays are to be expected here too.
A spokeswoman said on Wednesday that Saarbahn was not expected to suffer any disruptions. The train drivers have their own collective agreement. However, if dispatchers go on strike, this could also have an impact.
Among other things, the GDL is demanding 555 euros more per month for employees and an inflation compensation bonus of up to 3000 euros in the collective bargaining with Deutsche Bahn.
The traffic in regions served by Deutsche Bahn may significantly increase due to the railroad strikes, potentially causing delays and inconveniences for consumers. Additionally, some consumers might face increased tariffs for road transportation services as a result of the disrupted rail services, as demand for alternative modes of transport soars.
Source: www.dpa.com
