Protest against timetable changes: Future of the Heidekrautbahn in danger!

Protest against timetable changes: Future of the Heidekrautbahn in danger!

A campaign to preserve the Heidekrautbahn took place last Saturday with lively participation from the population. The train, which regularly departs from Basdorf to Schmachtenhagen at 10:10 a.m., was more full than it had been for a long time. Ines Grimnitz, train attendant for the Niederbarnim Railway (NEB), reported on the great demand. But the joy of the full track is overshadowed by great uncertainty.

There will be fundamental changes to the RB27 timetable on December 14, 2025. During the week, the number of trains between Basdorf, Zühlsdorf and Wensickendorf will be reduced from 17 to just 9. Several connections, especially at peak times such as from 9:02 a.m. to 2:02 p.m. and in the evening at 8:02 p.m. and 9:02 p.m., will be completely canceled. The service on weekends will also be significantly reduced - no trains will run on this route on public holidays and the Schmachtenhagen stop will be closed. These developments affect many people, including older people, students and working commuters.
As [maz-online.de] reports, over 3,000 citizens have signed a petition to protest against these cuts.

Sustainability and mobility at risk

Helmut Knieper from the municipal working group “Region Heidekrautbahn” emphasized the importance of the connection for different groups. “Access to shops and doctor’s offices in Basdorf is essential, especially for older people,” he explained. For young people who have to travel to school or training, as well as for flexible workers, the cancellation of the connections would be enormously problematic. Tourists who want to visit the caravanserai in Schmachtenhagen would also be affected.

The strengthening of local public transport is also called for by CDU state parliament member Nicole Walter-Mundt. She criticizes the planned cuts and appeals to those responsible to expand the route instead. “We have to offer citizens a mobility-friendly alternative,” says Walter-Mundt. This opinion is also shared by other local politicians, including Filippo Smaldino, mayor of Mühlenbecker Land, who is concerned about the impact on climate protection and general mobility.

A strong sign of community

The train's journey to Schmachtenhagen on Saturday was also a strong sign of community. A large crowd welcomed the train at the train station in Zühlsdorf. With posters that have messages like “Don’t depend on us!” and “Mobile for Future” made citizens aware of their concerns. Ulrike Stützer from Zühlsdorf emphasized how important this connection was for her family to get to Berlin. Monika Naß and Rita Wunderlich also emphasized that the train connections are essential for shopping and evening trips.

The train's return journey from Schmachtenhagen at 10:55 a.m. was also full, which once again shows how high the demand is. But with the loss of connections from mid-December, there is a risk of losing an important means of transport for many citizens. Until this crucial date, there remains hope for a rethink within the responsible authorities. You can also find more information and current developments at our website.