NRW slashes last-minute train cancellations by cutting troubled routes

Fewer trains, but far more dependable. How NRW’s bold move to trim schedules is finally easing chaos for passengers—and what’s next.

, and Administrator

2025 November 14 . 9:06 AM

1 min read

There is a train on a railway track in the middle of this image. We can see people standing on the... — There is a train on a railway track in the middle of this image. We can see people standing on the left side of this image and the roof is at the top of this image.

NRW slashes last-minute train cancellations by cutting troubled routes

Train operators in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) have successfully reduced last-minute cancellations. This is due to operators cutting services on troubled routes, leading to a 4% decrease in overall trains but improved reliability. The Ostwestfalen-Bahn (RB 72) and Rhein-Wupper-Bahn (RB 48) saw significant reductions, by 82% and 72% respectively.

The Rhein-Münsterland-Express (RE 7) also witnessed a 71% drop in short-notice cancellations between January and March compared to the same period last year. This trend is part of a broader effort by rail operators in NRW to tackle staff shortages, particularly among locomotive drivers. Deutsche Bahn and regional operators are working together to fill over 1000 driver positions in the next two years.

Transport authorities have also noted a decrease in cancellations on key Rhein-Ruhr-Express (RRX) lines. The goal is to recruit enough engineers by the end of 2025 to restore full service on as many lines as possible, aiming for 100% of the original schedule by 2026.

These efforts have led to a substantial reduction in last-minute train cancellations in NRW. With continued recruitment and training of locomotive drivers, rail operators aim to restore full service and reliability across the region's rail network by the end of 2026.