Passengers in turmoil: Massive closures of the S-Bahn and regional trains in 2026!

Passengers in turmoil: Massive closures of the S-Bahn and regional trains in 2026!

A central issue in transport policy in the region is currently the complete closure of the S-Bahn line S 11 and the regional train line RB 25, which is alarming both passengers and local politicians. The Pro Bahn Rhineland passenger association has sharply criticized the announced closures and is calling for a rethink of the plans, as the necessity of the measures is doubtful. The closure of the S 11 between Cologne-Mülheim and Bergisch Gladbach is planned from April 10th to July 3rd, 2026, which, according to Pro Bahn, is not justified, as the operation of a new switch only requires a full closure for two days, while the bridge construction work is a plan that should be implemented after 2030, as the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger reports.

But that's not all: Regional train 25 will also be taken out of service for three months due to the bridge renovation in Hopesthal. This adds to a long list of disruptions that have existed since July 2022, as the route between Cologne and Gummersbach is not continuously passable. The Pro Bahn Association appeals to those responsible to withdraw the closures and to rely on a viable concept to maintain connections.

Political support and inquiries

In the debate about rail connections, the CDU and the Greens in the district council also support the passengers' association's demands. They require clear construction site plans, reliable communication about alternative transport and basic planning that takes the needs of the users into account. One concern that Pro Bahn Rheinland would also like to give more weight to is improving construction site communication, which from the passengers' perspective is currently inadequate.

In a statement, the association emphasizes that in addition to the current plans, safety aspects must also be taken into account. For example, the uncovered stairs to the KVB tunnel pose a danger when it is icy or snowing. There are also no continuous roofs on the new platform, which worsens the situation when it rains and reduces the quality for passengers.

Passengers' rights

What to do if the train comes a little late? This is where the legal regulations for passengers come into play, which are based on the Rail Free Travel Act. Among other things, this regulates that passengers can receive 25 percent of the fare refunded for delays of at least 60 minutes - and even 50 percent for delays of more than 120 minutes. In addition, users should be informed about their passenger rights in rail replacement transport (SEV), which in turn could improve communication, according to Pro Bahn EBA report.

The overall ongoing disruptions and the planning of complete closures make it clear: More attention should be paid to reliable infrastructure and well-thought-out management in the region's local public transport. After all, it is ultimately the passengers who suffer from the measures.

This marks the beginning of an important phase for Cologne's transport policy, in which the needs of passengers must be clearly the focus. If those responsible manage to develop a coordinated concept, it will become clear whether commuting between cities can remain a pleasant experience in the future.