Train warning: timetable chaos between Weilheim and Schongau from December!

Train warning: timetable chaos between Weilheim and Schongau from December!

From December 15, 2024, significant changes will come into force in the railway schedule between Weilheim and Schongau. The Kochelseebahn will now act as a catalyst for comprehensive timetable changes that affect Weilheim. The travel time on the route from Weilheim to Schongau is extended from 35 to 40 minutes, which means that passengers have to adjust their schedule. In addition, the route between Kochel and Penzberg loses two half-hour trains that now only drive to Penzberg. According to rail expert Norbert Moy, these developments are only "cure on symptoms", while he indicates the need for a second track between Weilheim and Tutzing to increase timetable stability, such as Mercury reports .

In addition to the timetable changes, the switch to a new electronic signal box this weekend brings with it considerable restrictions. Travelers have to expect replacement buses between Tutzing and Munich, since the changeover lasts on Monday until midnight. This 84 million euro project from DB Netz AG is intended to modernize the technology and increase flexibility, so that more trains can travel on the same route in the future. Service manager Thomas Hildebrandt now controls over 300 signals and 100 soft. However, the changeover leads to serious impairments for the passengers, since buses have to be used between the main train station and Weilheim as well as Tutzing and Kochel, such as evening newspaper reports .

In addition, existing connections are affected, so that important transfer connections can be omitted or could shift in time. Passengers must therefore adapt to longer waiting times and changed departure times, which can significantly influence the entire travel process. With the changeover, an additional challenge for train driving is formulated, which with regard to a smooth travel chain not only have to rely on the timetable concept, but also on technical renovations.