Criticism of ICE cuts between Dresden and Leipzig

The passenger association Pro Bahn criticizes Deutsche Bahn's plans to cut ICE connections between Dresden and Leipzig. Instead of eliminating connections, capacities should be maintained and expanded, the association said. A turnaround in transport cannot be achieved by taking trains out of service.

The "Sächsische Zeitung" reported that Deutsche Bahn intends to cancel the late-night ICE connection between Leipzig and Dresden from mid-June - but not on Saturdays. In addition, trains will only run with one train section instead of two as before. This would eliminate 40 percent of the seats. The reason for this is the discontinuation of a certain, older ICE series, which is mostly used on the route from Dresden to Frankfurt/Main and Wiesbaden.

Bahn: supply remains sufficient

Upon request, Deutsche Bahn pointed out that many seats have remained empty so far. Therefore, the offer will remain sufficient in the future. "We will be using other vehicles on most of the affected connections in the future," said a Deutsche Bahn spokesperson. "Only minor adjustments to the timetable will be necessary".

Pro Bahn, on the other hand, considers the plans to be "bad news" for the Dresden area. Regular customers would be left in the lurch. "Just in time for 35 years of German reunification, the railroad is leaving the East behind," explained Pro Bahn spokesperson Michael Koch.

The Greens in the Saxon state parliament described the railroad plans as unacceptable. Transport policy spokesperson Katja Meier demanded that the existing service be maintained.