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Kiel-Hamburg railway line: DB in service until 2039 – punctuality required!
Deutsche Bahn will operate the Kiel-Hamburg route until 2039. Important details about punctuality, new trains and tendering procedures.
Kiel-Hamburg railway line: DB in service until 2039 – punctuality required!
Deutsche Bahn has made a significant decision regarding travel between Kiel and Hamburg. How kn online reported, the railway line will be operated by Deutsche Bahn until at least the end of 2039. This decision was made in the award procedure of the state of Schleswig-Holstein, in which DB was able to prevail against three other competitors.
An important aspect of the agreement is punctuality. Deutsche Bahn is committed to maintaining a punctuality rate of at least 81 percent. This could even rise to up to 90 percent if infrastructural improvements are implemented. However, punctuality on the Kiel-Hamburg route is currently only around 77 percent. Figures from Deutsche Bahn show that operational punctuality in passenger transport is currently 84.2 percent, which compares relatively well to other areas such as long-distance transport at 51.5 percent.
Future prospects and new moves
From the end of 2027, new Coradia Max trains will be rented for operation. These trains, consisting of four-part electric multiple units, are built by Alstom in Salzgitter and offer from 350 to 360 seats. Particularly interesting is the introduction of innovative bench seats without armrests in two train areas, which will make traveling more attractive for families and groups.
The award of the business did not come without legal disputes. There was already a legal dispute after an initial tender was canceled. The DB had sued against the repeal, and a ruling from the Higher Regional Court in Schleswig is expected on November 21st. If Deutsche Bahn wins, the country could face a claim for damages amounting to almost one million euros. On the other hand, re-tendering the procurement process could well save the country several million euros, as the first offers exceeded expectations many times over.
Punctuality as a benchmark for the future
Another important aspect for Deutsche Bahn is financial compensation if the punctuality values are not met. The state of Schleswig-Holstein has clearly stated that in such cases less money will flow to the DB. These specifications, together with the lowered requirements in the new tender, show that both quality and cost-effectiveness play a central role in future transport agreements.
It remains to be hoped that the new trains and the contractual framework will soon provide a better travel experience for travelers. The development in the coming years will be exciting and could also have an impact on other routes and local transport throughout the state.