Shortage of personnel at Harz narrow-gauge railways: timetables in crisis!

Shortage of personnel at Harz narrow-gauge railways: timetables in crisis!

The Harz narrow-gauge railways (HSB) are not only a popular tourist attraction in the picturesque Harz, but also an important part of the regional infrastructure. But HSB currently has to contend with a number of challenges. The timetables were adjusted at short notice due to an acute shortage of staff, which is causing unexpected problems for many passengers. How news38.de reported, the situation is particularly critical in the Wernigerode and Nordhausen signal boxes.

The new timetable changes currently apply from August 13th to 22nd, 2025, with the Brockenbahn continuing to head to the summit six times a day. Nevertheless, two steam train connections are canceled in the late afternoon, which is likely to affect the plans of many travelers. HSB is trying to keep the impact on the rest of the route network as low as possible and is immediately offering a replacement rail service. These adjustments are necessary because there are not enough train conductors to maintain smooth operations. mz.de names the exact connections that are affected, including some trains on the Harzquerbahn.

Lack of staff is the main cause

A key reason for the timetable adjustments is the staff shortage, which has been plaguing the HSB for some time. Cancellations due to illness are common, and there have already been several train cancellations this year. The situation is particularly tense in the signal boxes, where train conductors coordinate all train traffic. The labor market currently offers few qualified specialists, which makes HSB's efforts to recruit new staff even more difficult. mdr.de highlights that Deutsche Bahn also has similar difficulties in finding suitable employees.

HSB is aware of these challenges and is trying to address the shortage of skilled workers through its own training programs. Although this provides new perspectives, it initially requires extensive training over longer periods of time. In addition, technical problems - particularly due to the use of old steam locomotives, some of which are 70 years old - increase the difficulties in operation.

Optimism despite challenges

Despite these adverse circumstances, HSB is optimistic and is working to maintain operations as best as possible. As the HSB itself explains, the traditional steam locomotives and the journeys through the idyllic landscape are a unique experience for tourists and locals. In order to counteract the staff shortage and at the same time attract new passengers, the company is keen to focus on the quality of the service.

In the meantime, there are new regulations on smoking in the forests to prevent forest fires. The penalties for violating the smoking ban have been significantly increased, which is intended to further raise awareness of environmental protection.

In view of all these challenges, HSB is faced with the task of making the traditional company fit for the future. The next few weeks will show how successful efforts to stabilize operations will be.