Rail malfunction on the siding, swift resolution not imminent?
In recent discussions surrounding Germany's railway system, several concerns have been raised by experts and politicians alike. Markus Hecht, a prominent critic, has voiced his disapproval of the massive replacement of high-speed electric locomotives with Vectron locomotives in passenger traffic, citing the stress these changes put on switches when directing the locomotive onto another track.
Hecht's criticism extends beyond the locomotives, as he also criticizes the maintenance policy of the rolling stock, claiming that decisions by the railway company have led to a reduction in the lifespan of vehicles. He laments the lack of teamwork within the railway company, with various subsidiaries pursuing selfish goals instead of system-oriented ones.
Switzerland has taken a different approach, banning locomotives of the Vectron series from narrow curves due to reliability concerns. The situation in Germany, however, appears to be more complex, with experts seeing no quick solution to the system's unreliability. Structural overload, the need for radical external control, and opportunities for improvement in technical detail management are all cited as factors contributing to the problem.
This leads to a patchwork where individual areas block each other, causing delays and decreased efficiency. The performance and financing agreement (LuFV) for track infrastructure does not control quality, use of funds, or efficiency, further exacerbating the issue.
In an attempt to address these concerns, Bundesverkehrsminister Patrick Schneider has proposed a plan to make the railway infrastructure more transparent, simplify bureaucratic processes, and bundle offers from the Deutsche Bahn to make the system more efficient and economical.
Another suggestion comes from Christian Mitusch, who proposes that the Federal Network Agency should develop a cost model, advise politics based on it, and take over efficiency controls.
Despite these proposed solutions, the railway is expected to remain the "black sheep" of the railway industry in Europe in terms of reliability in the short term. Passengers can expect to feel substantial improvements only beyond the year 2030, assuming fundamental reforms are implemented and the structures, management, and control of the railway have fundamentally changed.
It is clear that the German railway system faces significant challenges. Whether through the proposals outlined above or other solutions yet to be presented, it is crucial that these issues are addressed to ensure a more reliable and efficient railway system for the future.
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