Cologne is canceling bus routes – because of corona cases and sick leave
Created: 06/07/2022, 14:54
By: Johanna Werning
Due to Corona cases, the first KVB bus lines have to be discontinued in Cologne.
(Iconic image) © Christoph Seelbach/Kölner Verkehrs-Betriebe AG
Because of Corona cases, the KVB in Cologne has to stop bus lines.
Several bus drivers are in quarantine.
That's why several buses are now completely canceled.
Cologne – Actually, thanks to the 9-euro ticket, the people of Cologne should travel more often by bus and train.
But there are currently several traffic disruptions in Cologne.
“Currently, the failures in KVB bus operations are increasing significantly,” the company announced on Wednesday, July 6th.
The reason: Too many sick leave at the KVB.
Several bus lines have to be temporarily suspended, reports 24RHEIN.
KVB: These bus lines no longer run
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Bus line 171
: From Breslauer Platz/Cologne Central Station to Wiener Platz in Cologne-Mülheim
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Bus line 172
: From Blaugasse (Cologne-Lindenthal) to Cologne Cathedral/Cologne Central Station
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Bus line 173
: From Ostlandstrasse (Cologne-Lindenthal) to Cologne Cathedral/Cologne Central Station
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Bus line 179
: From Ludwig-Quidde-Platz (Köln-Kalk) to Deutz/Lanxess Arena train station
KVB: There are no buses – too many bus drivers are ill
The KVB is actually trying to distribute the absences in such a way, even in the case of short-term sick leave, "that a basic offer is maintained in all areas of the city," says KVB CEO Stefanie Haaks.
"We are planning to suspend so-called booster lines - these are lines that supplement other bus or light rail lines in sections - for a limited period of time in order to ease the situation.
In this way we want to avoid that individual routes are excessively affected by the cancellations.”
The situation is currently quite tense, especially in bus operations.
The bus routes 171, 172, 173 and 179 will therefore be temporarily suspended from Monday, July 11 – for how long is not yet clear.
"We are doing everything we can to be able to offer our passengers the entire timetable service with good operating quality again as quickly as possible," Haaks continues.
There are currently no restrictions on the KVB lines.
Cologne: Corona cases at KVB – “increased sickness rate”
The reason for the many illnesses at KVB: the corona virus.
Because the increasing corona cases in Cologne are also noticeable at KVB.
"After weeks of relaxation, the increase in staff absences is mainly due to an increased sickness rate - also due to a renewed increase in corona cases," says the company.
The quarantine cases also have an impact on the operational process.
Another problem: "Numerous special traffic, for example to concerts, replacement traffic due to construction sites in the light rail area and the holiday season aggravate the personnel situation."
And since the situation is also tense with subcontractors – who are hired by KVB in an emergency – it is even harder to compensate for the losses.
(
jw)