With a view to the turnaround in traffic and the expansion of capacity on the rails, the head of the General Works Council of DB Regio, Ralf Damde, is in favor of a vehicle reserve pool financed by the federal government. "The 9-euro ticket showed the problems in regional traffic like a magnifying glass," Damde told the editorial network Germany (RND/Tuesday). "There are not enough staff and, in particular, too few vehicles to continue to absorb the increase in passenger numbers in the future," he said. "The federal government must finance a central vehicle pool, which is equipped with at least 300 vehicles and is located at several locations in Germany."
According to Damde, such a pool would provide financial relief. "This would have the advantage that transport associations would not have to buy their own additional vehicles, but could rent vehicles if they need them." Examples of increased demand are large traffic volumes in the holiday season towards the coast or for the Oktoberfest towards Munich. "If the federal government and Mr. Wissing want to achieve the climate targets, they must also help ensure that the rail system is prepared for the associated increase in traffic."
The alliances only had a few vehicles in reserve. "Until now, stinginess is still cool, the vehicles are getting older and only as many are bought as are actually used - there are hardly any reserve vehicles left," said Damde. "But if there is an additional burden, for example due to the 9-euro ticket, regional transport is quickly overloaded."
The Chairwoman of the Central Works Council DB Station
