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DB Regio takes over the southern route: New Hanseatic network from 2026!
From June 14, 2026, DB Regio will take over the RE2 line to Göttingen in the new Hanseatic network, while Metronom will retain other routes.
DB Regio takes over the southern route: New Hanseatic network from 2026!
A new chapter for rail transport in northern Germany: From June 14, 2026, the Hanseatic network will be reorganized. The Railway blog post reports that DB Regio will take over the RE 2 line from Uelzen via Hanover to Göttingen, while Metronom will continue to manage the most important connections in the north. This will blow a breath of fresh air through the local transport system, which will remain in place in this new constellation until the end of 2033.
The division of the Hanseatic network not only brings changes to the rails, but also a realignment of the service. Metronom will continue to serve the routes RE 3 (Hannover – Uelzen – Lüneburg – Hamburg), RE 4 (Hamburg – Bremen), RB 31 (Hamburg – Lüneburg) and RB 41 (Hamburg – Buchholz – Rotenburg/Wümme – Bremen). Meanwhile, the LNVG emphasizes that no major changes to the timetable are planned for passengers, which is positive for commuters and travelers.
Background to the contract change
The redesign of the Hanseatic network became necessary after Metronom asked for an early termination of the contract at the end of 2024 due to economic problems. The operator has struggled with a shortage of train drivers in the past, which has limited capacity and affected the reliability of services. LNVG managing director Carmen Schwabl pointed out that targeted personnel development is necessary to ensure competitiveness.
The new design should now bring more reliability, and both operators can rely on the tried and tested double-decker trains, which remain in the traditional blue, yellow and white livery. For many passengers – especially in the metropolitan region – the familiar color combination will continue to be a sign of familiar mobility.
Costs and services in public transport
Loud LNVG The entire service will be maintained at 8.7 million train kilometers annually. The northern part of the Hanseatic network will cover around 6.5 million train kilometers and the southern part around 2.2 million train kilometers. The contract terms even allow an extension until the end of 2035, provided the operator situation continues to stabilize.
The restructuring comes at a time when local public transport in Germany is experiencing an upswing. The VDV points out that ridership has been steadily increasing since 2022, supported in part by increasing sustainable transport efforts. Around 26 million passengers currently use buses and trains in Germany during the day, and around ten million car journeys are avoided every day using public transport. This trend could also benefit new operators who will adapt their services in a growing market.
The changes in the Hanseatic network are not only a step in the right direction, but also a signal to passengers that their mobility in northern Germany will remain reliable in the future. While DB Regio and Metronom contribute their respective strengths, it will be interesting to see how the offerings will develop by 2033. There's something going on, and local transport users can look forward to an exciting time!