Train cancellations, SEV, strikes—as a rail traveler, you’re used to the hassles. Now, new plans from Deutsche Bahn mean another setback for commuters: Starting in 2028, the company plans to run significantly fewer regional trains on the Munich–Augsburg route. This would make the already overcrowded trains even more packed. Now, the voices opposing the cancellation of regional trains are growing louder.
Reduced train service on a heavily traveled route
Deutsche Bahn wants to expand long-distance service, which is why, among other things, it plans to run more ICE trains between Augsburg and Munich. While this may sound like good news at first, it will come at the expense of regional service. Deutsche Bahn’s subsidiary, InfraGo, justifies this by stating that the route between the two major cities is overloaded. To make room for more ICE trains, regional trains are set to be canceled.
According to the plan, starting in 2028, regional trains on this route will run only twice an hour; currently, there are up to four trains during peak hours. DB thus plans to cut a total of 12 trains per day. This is a no-go, according to not only commuters but also local politicians and even the Free State of Bavaria. They are now joining forces to fight back.
Opposition to DB’s Plans
The planned cancellation of regional trains has sparked an outcry among rail passengers. Every day, hundreds of thousands commute back and forth between the two cities to get to work or university. Smaller towns along the route also fear being left behind. Now, three county administrators and the mayor of Augsburg have spoken out. They are asking Deutsche Bahn to refrain from reducing service. “The response to rising passenger numbers cannot […] be: less regional service,” said Augsburg County Administrator Martin Sailer. This comes amid the cancellation of regional trains on one of the state’s busiest routes.
Politicians have also stated that while more long-distance service is welcome, it cannot come at the expense of commuters. Commuters have now launched a petition that has already garnered several thousand signatures. And the State of Bavaria does not approve of Deutsche Bahn’s plans either. The company has not yet responded specifically to the criticism but emphasized that changes to the plans are still possible. It therefore remains to be seen what the transportation situation on the rail network between Munich and Augsburg will look like.
