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Train with empty carriage: passengers' health at risk!
An empty wagon between Leipzig and Chemnitz causes crowds. Reason: odor problems with diesel exhaust fumes. New battery trains delayed.
Train with empty carriage: passengers' health at risk!
In recent weeks, a train on the route between Leipzig and Chemnitz has been causing a stir. An empty wagon is used as a so-called “odor buffer” because the first wagon behind the RE 6 regional express diesel locomotive is closed to passengers. The reason for this? A strong smell of diesel that can be detected in the wagon. This reports Picture.
The MRB, which is responsible for train traffic on this route, has blocked the corresponding wagon in both directions. There are also express buses that are used between Chemnitz and Leipzig to relieve the burden on travelers. Despite the inconvenience for passengers crowded into the remaining two double-decker cars, the MRB emphasizes the safety and health of travelers. An expert analyzed the air in the train and found that it was not entirely clean, although measurements in May showed that the smell itself was not proven to be dangerous.
Expected changes in train services
The diesel locomotive is expected to remain in use on this route until the end of 2023, while the MRB is already planning new battery-powered trains. However, due to delivery delays, the use of the double-decker cars will be extended until December 2025. “We ask for your understanding for this measure,” said an MRB spokesman. During this time it is important that the health of passengers is a top priority.
The problem surrounding diesel exhaust fumes is not new. Current discussions show that modern diesel engines are viewed as potential “air scrubbers” because they are intended to clean the air instead of polluting it. But these statements often come from manufacturers with self-interest, such as Car Motor and Sport reported.
The challenge of air quality
The air quality in Germany has improved in recent decades, but according to the... Federal Environment Agency The concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM) remain too high. This particularly affects urban areas, where asthmatics are particularly badly affected. It is known that diesel exhaust can also be risky for public health and the WHO has published new guidelines to address this.
The situation is not only a challenge for passengers on the railway line between Leipzig and Chemnitz, but also represents another aspect of the debate about air quality and traffic. It remains to be hoped that solutions will soon be found that are beneficial for both travelers and the environment.