Enhancement required for Hamburg-Berlin transport route: It needs to be upgraded
The Hamburg to Berlin railway route has been closed for a nine-month general renovation since Friday evening. As a result, replacement traffic has been implemented, with regional trains being cancelled and replaced by buses operated by Ecovista, the company in charge of the replacement buses.
According to Michael Bader, the head of Ecovista, the start of the replacement traffic, which involves 170 vehicles on a 280-kilometer track, was considered "very good" overall. However, Mr. Bader highlighted that there are still areas for improvement, particularly in the communication with passengers.
He stated that while the operational handling is improving, the information provided to travelers needs to be more thorough and timely to enhance the overall experience during the renovation period. Missed connections, insufficient disembarkation, and lack of sanitation facilities at some stops are issues that need adjustment, Mr. Bader emphasized.
The signal boxes have been taken out of operation, and the overhead lines, switch drives, and magnets for signals along the route have been switched off. Construction trains will be seen along the route in the coming days, bringing tons of material to the construction site.
The route is to be comprehensively modernized by the end of April. Despite the challenges, Mr. Bader described the current replacement traffic as "much better than at the handover." The A7 before the Elbtunnel is experiencing more traffic jams due to the diversion of long-distance traffic via Uelzen and Stendal.
As the renovation progresses, it is hoped that the improvements will address the issues raised by Mr. Bader, ensuring a smoother and more efficient replacement traffic service for passengers during this nine-month period.
The renovations on the Hamburg to Berlin railway route have led to an increased emphasis on other modes of transportation, particularly within the industry of finance, as commuters and businesses adjust their travel plans. Meanwhile, in the realm of transportation, Ecovista, the company managing the replacement buses, acknowledges the need for improvement in communication with passengers, as highlighted by Mr. Bader, to ensure a smoother experience.
