VRN sends a welcome signal: S-Bahn is finally running again on the holidays!

VRN sends a welcome signal: S-Bahn is finally running again on the holidays!

In Mannheim, the early resumption of train services on the S-Bahn lines S8 and S9 will be important for many travelers. Deutsche Bahn plans to resume operations on December 24, 2024, instead of waiting until mid-January as originally planned. This was achieved thanks to the determined criticism of the Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Neckar (VRN) and ZÖPNV, which pointed out the need for a faster solution to ensure mobility over the holidays. How MRN News reported, however, the trains on lines S8 and S9 will remain suspended until December 23, 2024 due to construction delays, forcing a replacement rail service.

Restrictions and alternative traffic

The general renovation of the Riedbahn, which was planned for the resumption of train traffic on December 15, 2024, did not work as desired due to unplanned delays in construction acceptance. The Mannheim traffic region, the Bergstrasse district and Worms are particularly affected. Alternatively, passengers must use the RE70 regional train, which runs every hour, or switch to the replacement bus service S91 during the restriction VRN informed. In addition, many timetables affected by the delays cannot currently be displayed correctly in the myVRN app, which could lead to confusion.

The situation has also led to communication chaos, as notification of the changes came at far too short notice. Dr. Michael Winnes, managing director of the VRN, was critical of the information problems and emphasized the urgency that the trains must run again in time for the start of school in the new year. The successful push for a quicker resumption is perceived as a positive signal, but remains accompanied by a bitter aftertaste, as it required active criticism in order to achieve progress.