Enhancing Local Transport Infrastructure: Strategies for Improvement in Public Services
The German state of North Rhine-Westphalia is set to undergo a significant change in its public passenger transport system. Transport Minister Oliver Krischer (Greens) has outlined a bill for a reform that aims to establish a new institution, named "Schiene.NRW", to improve performance, response times, and assertiveness.
The tasks for this new authority will be divided between Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr, Nahverkehr Westfalen-Lippe, and Go.Rheinland, but the details are yet to be clarified. The reform plans also include the establishment of a company, supported by districts and independent cities, though the details of this company remain undisclosed.
Krischer described the reform as an overdue step for regional rail transport, calling it a necessary measure to ensure a uniform transport planning. Lothar Ebbers from Pro Bahn NRW echoed this sentiment, expressing his support for the reform and anticipating that it will take until 2029 for the new structures to fully take effect.
The reform is not yet underway, but is planned to start by 2027 at the earliest. Initial plans for this new institution were presented by Krischer in July. The bill for the reform was outlined in Düsseldorf on a specific Friday, and is now subject to association hearings. The details of these hearings, including their date and participants, have not been disclosed.
Jobs are not expected to be lost as a result of this reform. The head of the planned new transport authority has not been publicly announced yet. The location of the main headquarters and the workplace of the employees have also not been decided.
The Cologne S-Bahn network and the Rhine-Ruhr S-Bahn network are currently planned separately. The reform aims to integrate these networks, providing a more seamless transport experience for passengers.
For more updates on this topic, stay tuned to the 19.09.2025 edition of Westblick at 5 PM.
