After the S7 accident, Pro-Bahn manager Andreas Barth talks about bottlenecks in maintenance and the dilemma with single-track routes. His conclusion surprises.
Munich/Schäftlarn – Andreas Barth heads the Munich regional group of the Pro Bahn passenger association. The S-Bahn accident route S7* is his home line, he lives near Großhesselohe. In the Merkur interview, he explains where there is a need for action.
Mr. Barth, what is wrong with our S-Bahn system?
The system wears out, the delays are piling up, even MVV and the Minister of Transport complain about that in open fire letters. I think the railways are challenged in many areas, for example they have to carry out more predictive maintenance in order to avoid technical problems. Even if that is not the actual cause: The S7 accident* was also preceded by a malfunction at Pullach.
There are over 130 kilometers of single-track lines – can it stay like this?
The single-track lines also worry us, but mainly because they transmit delays. In the event of longer delays, the crossings are relocated, which means that S-Bahn trains meet at stations that are otherwise not intended for this purpose. If this happens too often, it creates stress. And people are more likely to make mistakes when they are stressed. More encounter sections would therefore certainly make sense.
Andreas Barth (46) from Pro Bahn
© Per Bahn
S-Bahn accident in Schäftlarn: where double-track expansion makes sense – and where only to a limited extent
Where for example?
It doesn’t work everywhere, and it’s not equally important everywhere. The single-track railway line is located on a slope right at the scene of the accident*, wedged between the residential area and the main road. A second track would be better from Baierbrunn towards the city center or between Icking and Ebenhausen-Schäftlarn, because the S-Bahn towards the city center often has to wait there. But that’s not really the top priority.
Why not?
For example, the S1 and S4 lines are significantly more congested and prone to delays because regional and freight trains also run there. With limited funds, you should first invest where it has the greatest effects. Unfortunately, finances are limited. DB Netz as an infrastructure operator has to pay dividends to the DB Group, which in turn to the federal government – that’s absurd. But I would also like to emphasize one thing.
And?
Even if that sounds strange now: the S-Bahn is basically safe. We can achieve a lot for road safety if we persuade more drivers to change. We talk about train wrecks at length because they are so rare. I will continue to feel safe in the S7 in the future.*
The interview was conducted by Dirk Walter. *Merkur.de is an offer from IPPEN.MEDIA.
