Höxter raises voices: saving the railway agency from extinction!

Höxter raises voices: saving the railway agency from extinction!

In Höxter, things are simmering on the railway front. The local agency is fighting for survival because the Westphalia-Lippe Local Transport Association (NWL) has announced plans to only offer ticket sales via machines from January 2026. This means no more personal advice, which not only annoys customers but also endangers the local economy. Mayor Daniel Hartmann wrote an urgent letter to the NWL in July, but he is still waiting in vain for a response. He urges maintaining personal access, especially for a city like Höxter, which is very popular with tourists and depends on good connections. According to Radio Hochstift, there are more than 1,000 people getting on and off at Höxter Rathaus station every day.

Axel Struckmeier, operator of the DB agency in Höxter, also draws attention to the vexing issue of planned closures and remuneration cuts. From January 1st, Deutsche Bahn will cut sales commissions, which, according to Struckmeier, could reduce the quality of service. Although the Höxter location is not currently directly affected by a closure, reduced opening hours are already in the cards. The train station, which is open on weekdays from 6:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., could soon be available to fewer users, which of course is not right for anyone. This is also reflected in the active signature collection that is currently on display in the train station and underlines how interested customers are in having a personal contact, as the Westfalen Blatt reports.

Climate change and mobility transition

The role of local public transport must also be considered against this background. The Association of German Transport Companies (VDV) informs that passenger numbers have been rising again since 2022 after falling as a result of the corona pandemic. Every day, buses and trains in Germany transport around 26 million people and save 10 million tons of greenhouse gases. In view of the current climate crisis, switching to buses and trains is becoming increasingly important. By having more people use public transport, it not only relieves congestion on the roads - it also actively contributes to climate protection. The VDV member companies managed to transport over 9.4 billion passengers in 2023, which underlines the importance of a well-functioning local transport network.

The problems at the train stations in Höxter could not only have regional, but also supra-regional effects. Struckmeier emphasizes how important it is for society to maintain rail as a means of transport, especially in the context of climate change. Ultimately, a well-developed infrastructure is the basis for a sustainable mobility transition.

Public mobility in focus

The development of the rail agencies in Höxter is a microcosm of the challenges facing public transport throughout Germany. With 1,000 people boarding and alighting at Höxter Rathaus station every day, it is clear that demand for public transport is high. Mayor Hartmann therefore demands that on-site advice be maintained. This could help to promote the switch to buses and trains and strengthen the region. Solutions must be found to secure the service and offer a high quality standard.

The signs of the times are clear: In order to survive in the competition for passenger numbers and at the same time make a contribution to climate protection, a rethink is required in the area of ​​local transport organization. Mayor Hartmann's initiative and the collection of signatures at the train station are steps in the right direction to encourage the population to continue traveling by train and bus in the future.