Train Charter Services began operating part of the RE 13 route in the Rhine-Ruhr region on April 28, 2025, to offset a staffing crisis at the primary carrier. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Train Charter Services began operating part of the RE 13 route in the Rhine-Ruhr region on April 28, 2025, to offset a staffing crisis at the primary carrier
Photo: TCS

The operator runs trains from Venlo (Netherlands) to Mönchengladbach in the mornings and evenings, extending the route to Wuppertal during the day. The service was commissioned by the VRR transport authority.

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Train Charter Services responds to staffing shortage on the line

Eurobahn, the main operator of the route, runs Stadler-built FLIRT trains. However, in February 2025, it faced a significant staff shortage, forcing it to increase headways from one to two hours.

To maintain regular service, buses were temporarily introduced. To stabilize the schedule, VRR signed a supplementary agreement with Train Charter Services.

Train Charter Services uses vintage but reliable rolling stock

The company operates four type N coaches built between 1961 and 1980, hauled by a German-made class 101 locomotive.

These coaches were widely used across Germany for regional transport but began to be phased out in the 1990s. Despite their age, the trains remain in working condition.

VRR’s contract with Eurobahn ends in December 2026. After that, the route will be transferred to Start, a Deutsche Bahn subsidiary.

The RE 13 route is also planned to be extended to Eindhoven in the Netherlands, strengthening cross-border rail connectivity in the region.

Introducing Train Charter Services on RE 13 was a temporary but effective solution that helped maintain transport stability and ensured passenger convenience.

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