HSB celebrates records! Increasing passenger numbers despite financial concerns

HSB celebrates records! Increasing passenger numbers despite financial concerns

The Harz narrow-gauge railways (HSB) also enjoyed positive development last year. In 2024, they welcomed over 1.14 million travelers, an increase of six percent compared to the previous year. This brings the company to sales of around 15.5 million euros - a new record! But as passenger numbers rise, HSB faces challenges that cannot be ignored. According to Borkener Zeitung, the company is worried about the high cost increase for energy, personnel and vehicles.

Managing director Karin Müller has clearly recognized that long-term cost containment and a strategic realignment are necessary. In order to meet these challenges, HSB is working on a concept for future development. This includes planned adjustments to the timetables, the organizational structure and the vehicle concept, which also takes alternative drives into account.

Investments for the future

In order to absorb the increased expenses, the HSB received increased payments from the federal states of Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia as well as from municipal shareholders. Despite this support, financial pressure remains noticeable. The section to the famous Brocken in particular is the busiest with around 507,000 passengers in 2024. The Harz district has also taken over large parts of the Brockenkuppe and is planning further tourism development, which, according to District Administrator Thomas Balcerowski (CDU), also includes the future of the narrow-gauge railways in the development plans.

The HSB runs on a route network totaling 140.4 kilometers, which extends to Thuringia. The majority of trains currently run on coal, but the company is looking for ways to improve its environmental footprint.

Alternative drives on the narrow-gauge railway

MDR This could be an interesting option for HSB to work in a more environmentally friendly way and reduce operating costs.

The oil steam locomotive consumes e.g. B. around 1,000 liters of oil for the same route, while the old coal locomotive requires around two tons of hard coal in one day. The savings in operating costs could be significant, which could give this technique a broader application perspective. Train driver Maximilian Schöne reports that the driving experience remains the same, while stoker Tom Kühfuß describes lighting the fire as physically easier. This shows once again that tradition and innovation can go hand in hand!