Annaberg-Buchholz (dpa/sn) - Due to significantly increased energy costs, the narrow-gauge railways in Saxony will reduce their offer. Passengers on the Fichtelbergbahn, Lößnitzgrundbahn and Weisseritztalbahn must therefore be prepared for restrictions on the timetable change from December 11th. "Due to the increased energy costs, especially with hard coal, massive savings are required," said Roland Richter, Managing Director of SDG Sächsische Dampfeisenbahngesellschaft mbH (Annaberg-Buchholz), on Thursday.
For the passengers, this means: Changed departure and arrival times, train cancellations and bus services apply as alternatives. From January 1st, it will be necessary to raise fares as well.
According to the company, the steam railway company has operated the Fichtelbergbahn since 1998 and the Lößnitzgrundbahn and the Weißeritztalbahn since 2004. Every year, up to 630,000 passengers travel on the three Saxon narrow-gauge railways. Most of the trains have coal-fired steam locomotives.
