Chaos on the railway line: Commuters between Chemnitz and Leipzig are desperate!

Chaos on the railway line: Commuters between Chemnitz and Leipzig are desperate!

The railway line between Chemnitz and Leipzig has been a nuisance for commuters for months. Delays, vehicle breakdowns and lack of space characterize the everyday life of travelers. The Central Saxony Transport Association (VMS) is now demanding that the Central German Regiobahn (MRB) set up a stable additional express bus service every 30 minutes. Otherwise, the VMS threatens to organize the bus transport itself, reports blick.de.

The problem is complex: the main causes include blocked double-decker cars, which have not been allowed to be put into operation since March due to diesel smells. This means that instead of the contractually guaranteed 300 seats, only 223 seats can be made available. VMS managing director Mathias Korda complains about the reduced capacity and the lack of improvement in the situation, despite multiple requests and fines to the MRB.

Serious train cancellations weigh on the mood

The problems have not gone unnoticed in politics either. Detlef Müller, SPD member of the Bundestag and city councilor in Chemnitz, calls for consequences and suggests terminating the transport contract with the MRB if the agreed services are not provided immediately. The massive train cancellations will be discussed at one of the next city council meetings, with Müller planning to involve several factions in the debate. The situation is serious: in the last two weeks, up to a third of all trains have been canceled, and alternative replacement trains have not been sufficient to meet demand, according to estimates bahnblogstelle.com.

This misery is further exacerbated by the single-track and non-electrified route between Chemnitz and Leipzig, as the use of modern electric multiple units is excluded. Originally, new battery trains from Alstom were supposed to be used from December 2024; However, these plans are also in jeopardy due to delivery delays. There are currently used diesel railcars and double-decker cars with technical defects on the road, which makes the situation even more difficult for commuters.

Impact on local transport

The VMS insists on a reliable and customer-friendly solution for local transport on this important route. The demand for express bus transport is a direct response to the precarious circumstances that travelers have to endure. Commuters remain hopeful that these measures will be implemented promptly to ensure smooth transport again.

The current situation is therefore another chapter in the long history of challenges in local public transport. It remains to be seen whether those responsible will take the necessary steps. Commuters are under pressure and urgently need improvement, while at the same time the VMS and political representatives are being asked to find and implement solutions.