Metronom remains: Trains between Bremen and Hamburg until 2033!

Metronom remains: Trains between Bremen and Hamburg until 2033!

After a long phase of uncertainties and disagreements, the Metronom railway line may continue to run between Bremen and Hamburg in the future. As the Weser Kurier has reported the tender for large parts of the large parts Hansenetzes won. From June 14, 2026, new contracts will apply until the end of December 2033. The characteristic blue and white yellow trains continue to drive over this important route.

But the joy of this success is mixed, because the past was anything but easy for metronome. The NDR And a noticeable decrease in punctuality. From over 90 %, the punctuality rate fell to about 75 %, which causes displeasure with passengers. The RB31 between Hamburg and Winsen in particular is one of the most unpunctual trains in Lower Saxony. Problems such as short -term train failures, defective toilets and inadequate cleanliness were increasingly criticized by the passengers.

A look at the future

The new contract enables Metronom to drive the following lines:

• Re 3 (Hanover - Uelzen - Lüneburg - Hamburg)
• Re 4 (Hamburg - Bremen)
• RB 31 (Hamburg - Lüneburg)
• RB 41 (Hamburg - Buchholz - Rotenburg - Bremen)

After years in which the operating community suffered from significant economic problems, the Metronom by the Landeshernaufsgesellschaft (LNVG) is now required to train and maintain personnel. High costs for energy and personnel were mentioned as the main reasons for the economic difficulties. Metronom had even asked for early termination to negotiate new contractual terms, since the originally planned contract was to run until 2033.

"There is something," says Malte Diehl from the Pro Bahn passenger association. He expresses concerns about the reliability of metronome. The critical voices increase, especially with regard to communication with passengers and the cleanliness of the trains. Nevertheless, those responsible, such as Stefan Kindermann from the Harburg district advisory board, hope for improvements in the future.

contractual conditions and further developments

The LNVG plans to continue to monitor the Hansenetz, which will be divided among several operators in the future. These contracts regulate the services of the rail traffic companies to be provided and include important points such as timetables, stops as well as the quality and grants. As taz , the exact distribution of the tasks in regional transport in spring 2025 is decided.

Overall, it remains to be seen whether Metronom can take the opportunity to prove itself and to remedy the problems that have occurred in the past. Many passengers in Lower Saxony hope for a more smooth operation and a return to a positive travel culture on the railway lines between Hamburg and Bremen.