Train delays force passengers onto unreliable FlixBus routes

Bremen-Uelzen rail chaos persists as FlixBus replacements fall short

Passengers travelling between Bremen and Uelzen are facing ongoing disruptions as the Regionalbahn 37 service remains suspended. Replacement flixbuses have taken over, but they fail to follow the original train schedule, causing delays and missed connections. The situation has left travellers frustrated and uncertain about when normal rail operations will return.

The line, known as the Amerika Line, has been out of service for weeks, forcing passengers onto flixbuses. These replacements are only confirmed one week in advance, creating confusion for those booking tickets through the Deutsche Bahn app. Start Niedersachsen Mitte, the current operator, has not given a clear date for when trains will run again.

Infrastructure manager inframed, now under Start’s control, is facing criticism for a surge in technically caused cancellations. Passenger group Pro Bahn has blamed the chaos on Start’s organisational failures, despite the company having enough financial reserves and using reliable train models. The association claims Start has repeatedly failed to maintain sufficient rolling stock, leading to widespread cancellations in 2022.

Pro Bahn is now calling for Start’s contract to be terminated immediately. It has also urged the state of Lower Saxony to step in with an emergency plan to restore reliable services.

With no fixed timeline for the return of trains, passengers continue to rely on unreliable flixbus services. The ongoing issues highlight deeper problems within Start’s management of the rail network. Until a solution is found, travellers on the Bremen-Uelzen route will face further uncertainty.