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Record number of train cancellations: Cologne rail traffic is in chaos!
Train cancellations in Cologne reach record levels. The causes are construction sites and a lack of staff. NRW is investing in train driver training.
Record number of train cancellations: Cologne rail traffic is in chaos!
The situation in Cologne regional transport is anything but positive. According to recent reports, there are more train cancellations than ever before - a situation that is putting a lot of strain on commuters and travelers in the region. According to radiokoeln.de, last year not only were the lines RE5, RE7 and RB26 identified as the most unreliable, but punctuality also suffered significantly. The local transport association go.Rheinland has published alarming figures in a quality report for 2024.
Accordingly, the average delay across all product groups in 2024 was 3 minutes and 18 seconds, the highest it has ever been, and one in four train cancellations was attributed to a lack of staff. “We are facing an acute problem here, which is primarily influenced by the many construction sites in the network and overloads on the tracks,” explains Managing Director Marcel Winter. The delay situation reached a peak particularly in late 2024, with the months of October and November being particularly negative.
Shortage of staff and construction sites
The causes of this misery are diverse. Construction sites in the route network, which are often essential due to investment requirements, play a major role. According to wir.gorheinland.com, 50% of train cancellations can be attributed to such construction sites, while the staff shortage, which has been exacerbated by strikes by the German Locomotive Drivers' Union (GDL), is also a major factor - around 23% of the cancellations are due to this.
Transport Minister Oliver Krischer has already announced measures: More than 700 new train drivers are to be trained this year. There is hope that the staffing situation will soon be improved, but the pressing question remains: How long will passengers have to live with these problems?
Increasing passenger numbers despite lousy conditions
However, a concern should also be the increasing number of passenger complaints, which rose from 1,605 in 2023 to 1,846 in 2024. The main reason for the dissatisfaction is obviously the constant cancellations and delays, which are becoming a major burden in commuters' daily routine. In summary, it can be said that there is a significant crisis in regional transport in Cologne and the surrounding area. Construction sites, staff shortages and rising passenger numbers create an explosive mix that urgently needs a solution. The signs are clear: urgent action is needed here so that travelers can soon enjoy the punctuality and reliability they want again.