Major Construction on Train Line: 200 Buses to Replace Services Between Hamburg and Berlin

Significant construction work is set to commence on the train line connecting Hamburg and Berlin this August, leading to a substantial shift in regional transportation. Approximately 210 buses will be deployed to handle the replacement services for passengers during this period.

The buses are currently being manufactured by a consortium known as Ecovista, which has been tasked with providing the necessary replacement transport. As of now, these vehicles have yet to be delivered, with reports indicating they are still in production.

The construction is scheduled to begin on August 1 and is expected to last until May 2026. During this time, the line will be closed for comprehensive upgrades, including the renewal of overhead lines, tracks, switches, signaling systems, and stations.

To facilitate passenger travel during the construction phase, a total of 26 bus lines will be established, ensuring that commuters can reach their destinations without undue inconvenience. This initiative marks the second major upgrade of over 40 heavily trafficked train routes that the Deutsche Bahn aims to modernize by the early 2030s. The first of these upgrades began last year on the Riedbahn between Frankfurt and Mannheim, where a similar bus replacement service was implemented.

In a recent development, the responsibility for the replacement bus services for the Hamburg-Berlin route has been awarded to Ecovista. This consortium, which consists of several bus companies, won the contract in a bidding process last July, while DB Regio, a subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn, did not secure the agreement.

The fleet will consist of 142 articulated buses and 66 solo buses, manufactured by SOR and Iveco. Each bus is designed to offer passenger amenities such as Wi-Fi and USB charging ports. Additionally, the long-distance buses will be equipped with onboard toilets to enhance passenger comfort.

In total, around 500 bus drivers will be needed to operate the replacement services, and arrangements for their employment have reportedly been finalized. The aim is to ensure a seamless transition for travelers affected by the line's closure.

As construction approaches, both the Deutsche Bahn and Ecovista are collaborating closely to ensure that the bus services commence as scheduled at the beginning of August.