The train runs, even at the accident site of 2022 - but not to Mittenwald. © Fellner
Rail frustration up to the highest political circles: The parliamentary group leader of the Free Voters in the state parliament sharply criticizes the communication of the DB Group and has now sent a catalog with 125 questions to Bavaria's Transport Minister Christian Bernreiter (CSU).
Oberammergau/Garmisch-Partenkirchen – The anger about the railway is great in the region. The latest horror report of the extended closure of the line from Garmisch-Partenkirchen to Mittenwald until December was like oil poured on the fire. Florian Streibl's patience has now also been broken. The member of the state parliament of the Free Voters, who also acts as chairman of the ruling party in Munich, no longer holds back his frustration with the company with its executive floor in Berlin. "Even as a politician, you're standing in front of a wall at the railway," complains the Oberammergauer. Streibl demands that those responsible "switch from slow-speed mode to high-speed mode" with regard to the restoration of reasonable operation.
While studying his local daily newspaper, Streibl almost lost faith when he learned from the newspaper that, on the one hand, nothing was moving forward on the Isar Valley line, and on the other hand, the section would remain closed until December due to a dilapidated retaining wall and track renewals that would follow in autumn. "That was communicated quite succinctly," the MP marvels. He can't understand the company's communication in the slightest. "You get the feeling that there is a certain carelessness in the process." There are never any comprehensible explanations. "It is frightening how the rail monopolist is exploiting its top dog status here and leaving all those affected permanently in the dark at the expense of rail customers and communities in the region."
Has no understanding for the Bahn-Theater anymore: Florian Streibl. © Thomas Sehr
15 questions on topics related to the Werdenfels network, such as the need for renovation, progress and better connections in the future
Streibl took the latest setback for rail passengers in the district as an opportunity to exert some political pressure once again. He addressed a comprehensive catalogue of 15 questions to Bavaria's Transport Minister Christian Bernreiter (CSU). In it, he asks for information – and quick answers – on the condition of the rail network, the need for renovation, the progress of work since the train accident on 3 June 2022, speed limits, stations in the Werdenfels network and improvements to the supra-regional offer with ICE connections. The MP addressed Bernreiter because the Bavarian Railway Company (BEG) already commissions – and pays for – rail transport in the Free State. "In the end, that's where the threads come together in the ministry. There has to be an exchange."
A connection to the Isar valley completely cut off
Streibl finds the current information policy of the railway unacceptable. "Even we in Munich can only watch." The Ammertaler refers to the cost explosion on the second Munich trunk line. "We had Deutsche Bahn CEO Richard Lutz as a guest in Munich, and not even the prime minister received any information." The politician cannot understand how customers are treated in the region. "People are simply told that they have to make do with rail replacement services." The impact this has on a tourist region like the Werdenfelser Land is of no interest to anyone in Berlin. "A complete connection to the Isar valley will be cut." In the lowlands, there are always two or three ways to divert traffic or take a different route. "But that's not possible with our valleys. There is only one road to Mittenwald." With a view to the holiday traffic – there was already a first taste at the beginning of the Whitsun holidays – Streibl is horrified: "Well, have fun!" he says full of sarcasm.
For him, it is clear that the privatization of the railway "has not done any good". "Basically, the company would have to be completely reformed." There are no more people responsible, "there are no answers, the railway can't open its mouth".
