Today’s Railways Europe correspondent, Keith Fender, takes a fascinating illustrated look at how the German rail network has changed in the 30 years since German re-unification.
By the time Germany was re-unified in October 1990, two very different railway networks were in existence. The integration of these two networks, with their diverse rolling stock and unique operating systems was a complex task. New lines and stations were built and new trains were introduced to transform services.
Germany’s Railways: 30 Years After Re-unification traces the development of the unified network and new national operator, Deutsche Bahn AG. Subjects addressed include:
- Line Closures and Re-openings
- Traction Transition 1990-2010
- High Speed Network Grows
- Stations Transformed
- International Connections Enhanced
- Rail Freight Adapts to Globalisation
- Open Access Expands
- Narrow Gauge Survives and Thrives
The book also looks at the wider rail industry in Germany, where over 300 private rail freight operators, over 100 regional passenger concession contracts and open-access inter-city operators have taken the place of the two state railway companies.
Finally, Germany’s Railways: 30 Years After Re-unification looks at plans for the future, including additional new high speed lines and a national regular-interval timetable from 2030. Well illustrated with over 130 colour photographs, 96 pages.