Nostalgic trip: With the piglet tax from Neubrandenburg to Friedland!

Nostalgic trip: With the piglet tax from Neubrandenburg to Friedland!

On July 12, 2025 the time had finally come: the passenger association PER TRAIN organized a nostalgic trip with the historic “Ferkeltaxi” from Neubrandenburg to Friedland. The route, which runs via Neubrandenburg main station, the industrial district, Ihlenfeld and Staven, was not only an impressive testament to the times, but also part of an offensive initiative to reactivate disused railway lines in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

The special trip, which was already fully booked, offered participants a journey of around 90 minutes each way. The return to Neubrandenburg took place two hours later, so that the guests had enough time to explore the sights in Friedland. Not only were historical aspects of the route presented, but future offerings in local rail passenger transport (SPNV) were also discussed. People enjoyed a fine interplay of enjoyment and information while experiencing the nostalgic flair.

A route with history

The railway line between Neubrandenburg and Friedland has a long history. Passenger traffic was stopped in 1994, but reactivation is now being intensively examined. In anticipation of a passenger volume of around 534 people on weekdays, the route could soon be used again for regular operations. By the end of 2026, it is planned to expand the tracks for freight trains of up to 70 km/h, which will make the route interesting not only for passengers, but also for freight traffic. Uckermark courier emphasizes that the tracks of the old Friedland train station were partially reclaimed by nature and thus offered an interesting sight for the nostalgic train excursion.

The idea of ​​​​reactivating the route is part of the mobility offensive of the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, as the transport company makes clear. The need for rail travel is increasing, also as the post-pandemic return to normality. These developments highlight the move to revitalize railways as an environmentally friendly and efficient means of transport. The Pro-rail alliance reports that reactivations can improve the connectivity of places and thus increase regional attractiveness.

The future of rail

The reactivation of railway lines is a trend in Germany that has been developing steadily since the railway reform in 1994. Over 900 kilometers have already been put back into operation. The focus on increased use of rail could help to significantly increase passenger numbers by 2030, according to the federal government's forecasts. Existing tracks and railway systems offer the opportunity to revive old connections without making costly new investments.

The initiative of the passenger association and the positive response from guests show how important such projects are and that interest in rail travel remains unbroken. The next steps to reactivate this historic route are in the starting blocks and promise a promising future for the region and its mobility.