Abellio warned over servicesbreachin the Ruhr
ABELLIOwas given a formal warning by transport authorities in Germany'sRuhr region in Mayfor failing to operate large numbersof contractedservices.
Theoperator is suffering from a severe shortageof drivers,havingtaken over several5-Bahnand regional routesfrom DBin Decemberw, hich aresupposedto be operated by brand new'Flirt' EMUs provided by transport authority VRR.
Most of the former DBdrivers have remainedwith the company,meaning Abellio hashad to recruit and train new drivers.
SinceMay,loco-hauledtrains havebeen hired (completewith drivers)to operate the 53 5-Bahnroute (Oberhausen-EssenHattingen Mitte), most usingClass182.5 'Taurus'locos,although Abellio hasbeen told it must replacethem with the new EMUsby July at the latest.
Abellio took overthe contractto operate the region'sbusiestregional route (RE1 Aachento Hamm)from June 14,but having insufficienttrain crew it has sub-contractedmore than half of the trains backto former operator DBuntil Decemberat the earliest.