KVB crisis: Regular timetable until 2030-Stadtbahnen remain in the queue!

KVB crisis: Regular timetable until 2030-Stadtbahnen remain in the queue!

Köln, Deutschland - The Cologne Verkehrsbetriebe (KVB) faces a challenging situation that has been emerging since the beginning of 2023. The drastic adjustments in the timetable, especially in the light rail area, are noticeable for the passengers. A return to the regular timetable is only expected in 2030, such as KStA . Significant reasons for this situation are the high health rate for drivers, an acute lack of drivers and the insufficient number of available city railways.

The order of the new low -floor railways has proven to be problematic. Alstom was to deliver 62 strikes, the value of which amounts to 363 million euros. The first delivery was originally planned for September 2023, but also to date, in June 2025, there is no specific schedule. According to Mein Leipzig it could now take until the spring 2026 until the first new city railways are ready for use. KVB boss Stefanie Haaks already expresses doubts about compliance with this new appointment.

Problems with vehicle availability

The urgent need to fix the current vehicle deficiencies is becoming increasingly clear. As part of the measures, KVB plans the renovation of 40 older low -floor railways, which will be cost -intensive and time -consuming. Rundschau Online informed that the old vehicles of the K4000 series have been in use since 1995. The renovation of this fleet is scheduled to begin in May 2024, which will result in further failures in the passenger operation.

The difficult spare parts supply for these aging vehicles additionally contains the KVB. Many parts now have to be manufactured by 3D printing. In addition, discussions about possible compensations for the delivery delays from Alstom, because the KVB have already exploited all contractually agreed fines for delays.

Back to normality until 2030

The effects of these bottlenecks and delays are also evident in general passenger satisfaction. A lack of vehicle availability is the main reason for the late return to the regular timetable. And while the KVB in the bus area cannot report any vehicle bottlenecks - here the complete timetable operation on lines 124, 173 and 179 is resumed - the light rail area remains under pressure.

Despite these challenges, there are also positive developments. The KVB is planning to lift the closure of the Mülheim bridge for light rail traffic from September 15, 2025. Furthermore, a clock of five minutes from Monday to Friday will be introduced on line 1 from 3:30 p.m. The KVB also increased its driving school capacities to counteract the lack of driver.

The way back to normal is rocky. According to the information, a complete return to the regular timetable is sought by KVB in 2030 at the earliest. Until then, KVB remains in demand to ensure the mobility of Cologne citizens with creativity and commitment.