We can learn from Germany and enhance our railway
Tony Streeter’s article regarding the current German railway scene and how it differs from our own was very interesting and I found myself largely in agreement ( RAIL 925).
This is borne out by several visits to the country in recent years, travelling almost exclusively by rail.
Following the 1989 reunification, enormous investment has taken place - especially in the East. These huge strides that the country has made have resulted in a much-improved all-round travel experience, making rail increasingly the preferred choice.
One gets the impression that the customer has been well considered, with trains that fulfil the service and communities they serve.
They have always sought to provide a railway fit for purpose - an example is the renowned S-Bahn, which as long ago as the 1930s shuttled thousands every few minutes to the Berlin Olympics.
This S-Bahn system, that many would equate to Crossrail, has subsequently become the standard people mover, now serving many cities.
Again, where required, high density inter-urban double-deck stock performs a necessary important role. The upside-down Wuppertal tram system is an example of recognising a conurbation’s need and satisfying it with an ingenious design.
Another requirement was identified many years ago - hence the Neubaustrecke high-speed line which now links all the major cities.
This extensive network gives very comfortable, seamless, cost-effective travel from one end of the country to the other.
As here in the UK, Germany has been blessed with some world-renowned and architecturally important stations - for example, Leipzig is one of the largest in the country, built in the 19th century but still a very suitable hub for today.
And improvements continue, with a futuristic main station completed a few years ago in Berlin, and one of the largest rebuilds currently taking place to bring Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof into the 21st century.
Once released from COVID, it will be possible to experience the German railway scene.
An integral part of this is to sample the culture and cuisine, and to view the country’s many lakes, mountains and river valleys (some lined with vineyards) which altogether make for a memorable visit.
A favourite is a slow comfortable ride down the Rhine Valley (Cologne to Frankfurt), followed (by way of contrast) by a fast ride back on an ICE train on the high-speed line.
There are also gems such as the Harz mountains, still with efficient narrow gauge steam, which can be complimented in Wernigerode by a hotel restaurant which delivers your drinks to table by scale models of the line.
And as Tony points out, there are various ticket options. A check on www.seat61.com would enlighten.
However, while Germany is ahead in many respects, once
HS2 arrives with all the up-todate technology (including seating please), we would probably surpass most high-speed lines around the world and again make UK rail travel something to be envied.