Bayerische Regiobahn (BRB) reports that train operations across its 840-kilometre network are increasingly difficult to manage due to widespread construction works planned by DB InfraGO.
A new round of works on the RE5 line will start on 14 November at three separate locations. BRB says it still has no final timetable data from InfraGO and has been forced to prepare only a rough plan. Single-track operations between München Ost and Rosenheim are expected to slow traffic on the route. To reduce knock-on delays, BRB plans to send trains out of Munich earlier than usual, estimating that up to 20 minutes of delay could build up during the journey. This also affects driver duties, rolling-stock planning, and crew schedules, all of which rely on accurate minutes and seconds.
The operator states that short-notice construction announcements—sometimes only three days ahead—are now common, even though such work normally requires much longer preparation. Train crews face regular criticism from passengers confronted with repeated delays and timetable changes.
BRB also points to problems with updating information systems. Replacement timetables cannot be integrated quickly into DB’s digital platforms, which only refresh every few days. As a workaround, the company directs passengers to channels it can update immediately: its website, WhatsApp information streams, newsletters for larger disruptions, and its Facebook disruption feed.
BRB says the current situation is pushing its operations close to their limits and making reliable regional travel increasingly difficult.
