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With Deutsche Bahn quickly to the flight - theoretically

Light and shadow at the railway. The cooperation between aviation and DB improves feeder traffic to the Frankfurt hub. At the same time, the punctuality rate of long-distance trains continues to drop dramatically.

The frequency of train connections to Frankfurt Airport has been further increased. | Photo: Deutsche Bahn
The frequency of train connections to Frankfurt Airport has been further increased. | Photo: Deutsche Bahn
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Thomas Kanzler

Due to the collaboration between Deutsche Bahn and the aviation industry, accessibility to Frankfurt Airport by rail has increased. Additional Sprinter trains are expected to further accelerate the connections. Two years after the signing of the joint action plan in April 2021, the German Aviation Association (BDL) and Deutsche Bahn (DB) jointly draw a first positive balance. The goal of the action plan is to enhance the attractiveness and sustainability of the transportation offering and to contribute to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector. The partners aim to achieve this through better networking of transportation carriers and a further shift of traffic from air to rail.

Aviation on the Rise

In domestic air travel, the offering reached around 56 percent of the 2019 level in the first half of 2023. Although air traffic is increasing again after the pandemic-induced slump, there is a trend towards further shifting short-haul domestic traffic to rail. In particular, Deutsche Bahn's Sprinter services are being used by more travelers than ever before. These fast connections between major cities recorded a 45 percent increase in demand compared to 2019.

More and More Sprinters to Frankfurt Airport

"Where aviation and rail cooperate, we record double-digit growth rates," explains Peterson. "Part of this success is our expanded feeder services to Germany's largest airport in Frankfurt am Main. If we succeed in intelligently connecting different modes of transportation, we will attract more people to climate-friendly mobility chains."

A key contributor to the success of the action plan, according to DB long-distance passenger transport board member Michael Peterson, has been not only the expansion of the Sprinter services but also the enhanced feeder services and improved cooperation offers, such as Lufthansa Express Rail. As early as October 2021, demand for this joint feeder service from DB and Lufthansa to Frankfurt Airport was at the level of the pre-crisis year 2019. Last year, demand increased by another 25 percent.

"I am very pleased that together we have been able to advance further projects for better connectivity between rail and air traffic," adds Jost Lammers, President of the German Aviation Association. "This improves the mobility offering for travelers, contributes to climate protection in the transport sector, and ensures the competitiveness of the German aviation industry. However, to continue making progress, we also need the support of the federal government for accelerated infrastructure expansion."

An important component of the action plan is the expansion of feeder traffic. The Lufthansa Express Rail service has been significantly expanded. This allows Lufthansa passengers to book their entire journey, including the trip to and from Frankfurt Airport, as part of a single ticket through Deutsche Lufthansa. The service now includes almost all domestic destinations of Deutsche Lufthansa (a total of 24 destinations, which is 7 additional destinations compared to 2021). The number of connections has nearly doubled in this period, increasing from 135 to 240 trips per day.

Infrastructure projects for stronger networking

The renewal and expansion of the rail infrastructure is a prerequisite for stronger networking of air and rail transport. For example, the approximately 60-kilometer-long high-speed line Wendlingen–Ulm was put into operation in December of last year. It shortens travel times between Stuttgart and Munich. Additionally, it forms the basis for connecting Stuttgart Airport to long-distance rail passenger transport (SPFV) upon the completion of the Stuttgart 21 rail project.

Investments in Major Projects – Not in Railways

Major projects like "Stuttgart 21" devour billions of euros that would be better spent elsewhere. The currently estimated nine billion euros for the underground station roughly correspond to the entire budget of the German railway in the current federal budget. Starting from 2023 until 2030, at least 12 billion euros will be invested in the railway each year. The majority of the funds will be used for infrastructure renovation. Nevertheless, even after 2030, there will be no continuous high-speed rail route between the metropolises in Germany. Parts can be traveled at speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour – however, the time gained will be lost in sections where long-distance trains must travel significantly slower.

Punctuality Rate 2022: 65 Percent

The punctuality rate of long-distance trains has continuously declined over the past decades. In the 90s, 90 percent of long-distance trains were punctual, but last year only 65 percent of the trains arrived on time. At least the number of connections to Frankfurt’s airport hub has increased – whether the train will arrive in time for the flight departure in Frankfurt is questionable given this punctuality rate.

What does this mean?

Mismanagement at the railway. The funds for Stuttgart 21 could have bought over 200 new ICE 4 trains. Or could have been used for the renovation of tracks, bridges, or even the reactivation of decommissioned routes. And the punctuality of the trains is getting worse. Mismanagement also at the Ministry of Transport. Transport Minister Wissing still plans to invest the majority of his available funds in road traffic. In 2023, 36 percent will go to road traffic, while only 26 percent is earmarked for the railway.

Translated automatically from German.
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