According to experts, travelers should anticipate significantly fuller trains and increased delays as the holiday season begins. Detlef Neuß, Honorary Chairman of the passenger association Pro Bahn, advised “Rheinische Post” readers: “I recommend always having a Plan B ready.” He warned that even in summer, there will be numerous diversions, longer travel times, and cancelled services because the railway is using the holiday period to intensify maintenance work. Neuss stressed that passengers should not plan their connections too tightly and must have alternatives prepared. Furthermore, he advised travelers undertaking long journeys to prepare for possible failures of the onboard bistro: “Travelers should not rely on having food and drinks in the train; they should carry a basic supply.”
Carl Waßmuth from the association “Bahn für Alle” echoed this sentiment, stating, “We expect that trains will get fuller during the summer holidays-as is happening every year.” He noted that the rail network remains outdated, and the existing issues are not expected to disappear in the summer. The EVG railway union reassured the public that employees are doing everything possible to ensure passengers reach their destinations safely, even amid construction sites and disruptions. A spokesperson for “Rheinische Post” added a plea to all travelers: “This should not be forgotten even during stressful times.”
