RE6 between Leipzig and Chemnitz: Waggon reopened after smell of diesel!

RE6 between Leipzig and Chemnitz: Waggon reopened after smell of diesel!

The Regional Express 6 (RE6) between Leipzig and Chemnitz has finally taken a positive turn: the first wagon behind the locomotive has been reopened. This decision was announced on Thursday after the carriage had been closed since the end of March due to the smell of diesel. An odor that probably entered the interior through the air conditioning posed a health risk for passengers. The Federal Railway Authority (EBA) had instructed the operator, Transdev Regio Ost GmbH, to close the wagon for the safety of passengers. LVZ reports that ...

In the past few months, the situation for travelers has been anything but easy. Due to the closure, only two out of three double-decker cars were available to passengers, which often led to overcrowded trains. An attempt to create more space with an additional carriage failed because the door mechanism was not compatible. The smell of diesel alone was not the only problem: As the EBA reported, health-damaging diesel exhaust gases could reach the passenger compartments through the air conditioning, which particularly endangered people in need of protection. Saxon site offers further information...

Security concerns splatter the return

The EBA examined the problem on site, interviewed travelers and carried out rides. The surveys showed that the old diesel locomotives of the 223 series emit exhaust gases through the roof, which can be absorbed by the air intake of the following cars. All of this put together laid the foundation for what was initially a tough decision. In June, a report recommended that the first carriage should continue to be closed in order to avoid possible health problems caused by the exhaust fumes.

At the same time, additional bus service every 30 minutes ensured that the lack of rail space could be compensated for. This additional service will continue until Friday evening to give travelers the opportunity to get to their destination without stress and crowds.

The light at the end of the tunnel

The good news for all commuters and travelers is that the three RE6 carriages will be available again from Thursday. The reopening of the first carriage is a small but significant step towards improving the situation on this important connection. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen how Transdev Regio Ost GmbH hopes to solve the problem of diesel exhaust gases in the future.