Train cancellations in Templin: flu epidemic causes chaos in local transport!

Train cancellations in Templin: flu epidemic causes chaos in local transport!

In Brandenburg there are currently more frequent train cancellations and delays, which pose problems not only for commuters but also for occasional drivers. The Niederbarnimer Eisenbahn (NEB) reported last Wednesday that several trains on the RB12 line from Berlin Ostkreuz to Templin were canceled. The reason for this was an acute shortage of personnel as a train driver became ill at short notice. This meant that passengers had to wait on cold platforms until a subsequent train finally arrived after an hour. A NEB spokesman said that although a replacement reserve was in place, the response could not be quick enough. In view of the impending flu wave, staffing levels could become even more tense in the coming weeks, as Nordkurier reports.

On October 15th, a train on the RB12 line, which was scheduled to arrive in Templin at 7:18 a.m., was completely canceled. The departure of the train at 7:33 a.m. from Templin towards Berlin Ostkreuz was also canceled. While the NEB is trying to maintain the planned follow-up trains, the uncertainty is noticeable for passengers.

New solutions for frequent train cancellations

The RB60, another important NEB connection, also frequently faces train cancellations. |As [Moz.de](https://www.moz.de/lokales/bad-freiwalde/bahn-rb-60-nach-haeufigen-zugausfaellen-wie-es-besser- Werden-soll-78112621.html) reports, the NEB has now taken measures to improve the situation. From June 14, 2025, a new generation of trains, the battery-electric Siemens Mireo Plus B, will be used on the line. These new trains not only offer more seats, but are also intended to increase the reliability of rail transport. The regional trains have been running every hour between Wriezen and Frankfurt (Oder) since December 2024, which should improve travel times.

Despite these efforts, the NEB is not the only transport company suffering from the pressure of staff shortages. A look at local public transport in numerous major German cities shows that similar problems are often caused by the very high rate of illness. In Cologne, for example, up to 20 percent of employees were deregistered due to illness in December, which led to drastic timetable changes, such as RND reported.

A look at the future

The challenges of rail transport should not be underestimated. Staffing shortages and canceled trains are symptoms of a larger problem affecting the attractiveness of public transport. Efforts to introduce new types of trains and improve existing capacities are steps in the right direction. But it remains to be seen whether these measures will be sufficient to overcome the ongoing challenges.

For further updates on traffic conditions and NEB accessibility, passengers can contact customer service on 030 396011-344 or visit the NEB website.