Future of the RE 9: New plans for the Aachen-Köln victories rail connection

Future of the RE 9: New plans for the Aachen-Köln victories rail connection

05.09.24 (Go.rheinland, Hessen, North Rhine-Westphalia, NWL, Rhineland-Palatinate) Author: Stefan Hennigfeld

The planning institutions in the Rhein-Sieg district face a challenge with regard to the re-awarding of the popular Rhein-Sieg-Express, which is due to drive in December 2030 over the routes between Aachen, Cologne and Siegen. A new operating program was considered, which could now take other ways. Originally, a driving design in a double traction with a wing concept was planned, in which part of the train should drive directly to Siegen, while the second part would have served all intermediate stops. However, this idea is expected to be rejected due to several obstacles.

An essential factor is the demand for passengers that travel between Cologne and Siegen by the Germany ticket. In addition, the implementation of the required infrastructure expansion measures proves to be very complex. The need to make the platforms in the region barrier-free should not be underestimated: Most platform heights in Rhineland-Palatinate are currently only 38 centimeters, while for barrier-free accessibility at least 55 centimeters, ideally even 76 centimeters.

necessary changes to the originally planned concept

With these challenges, it is considered unlikely to be fully implemented by 2030. Therefore, alternative solutions are now required to optimize the existing offer. In the future, it is therefore intended to have line RE 9 runs from Aachen via Cologne to Siegen every hour. This is done with powerful, electric double -decker drives that offer space for up to 760 passengers and should continue to operate the previous stops on the route.

Another point that is checked in the current plans is the possibility of having the RE 9 extended to Gießen at least two hours beyond Siegen HBF. This company, which existed by December 2010, could again enable the passengers to make a direct connection to Cologne and at the same time make changeover for travelers from Hagen or Frankfurt am Main.

The responsible special -purpose associations NWL and RMV steps are currently taking steps in order to concretize the connection. In the event of a successful implementation, this would significantly improve mobility for the residents along the dill route. A train that leads to Gießen regularly would be a valuable asset to the existing offer. This new variant of the RE 9 is now being examined in close cooperation with DB Infrago AG in order to develop the best possible solution for passengers.

The background and challenges that this reprogramming brings with it show how important it is that the infrastructure is adapted to the current needs of travelers. The professionalism of the institutions involved and the dialogue with the DB are essential elements that should ensure future success and acceptance of the new concept. The focus is still on efforts to improve mobility in the Rhein-Sieg district, while the plans for the Rhein-Sieg Express are entering the next phase.

Photo: Deutsche Bahn AG / Georg Wagner