Epidemics and delays Bonn’s trams cancelled more often

BONN · During the first quarter of the year, epidemics amongst the tram service staff members caused some trouble for the Stadtwerke Bonn (SWB). Many services were delayed or cancelled.

During the first quarter of the year, epidemics amongst tram service staff members caused some trouble for the Stadtwerke Bonn (SWB). Many services were delayed or cancelled.

In the first three months of the year, particularly lines 61 and 62 were affected by delays and cancellations of service. The so called achievement quota was at 94.2% (January), 91.3% (February) and March (96.4%). Last year, each of those months got more than 99%.

In actual figures, this means that the trams spent 23.258 hours on the tracks, 1.389 hours were cancelled. During 2017, 1.252 hours were cancelled - in the entire year.

The SWB name the flu epidemic and the connected absence of drivers as the main reason for those numbers. In addition, the „general shortage of skilled staff“ was mentioned. Since summer 2017, the training of new drivers has „a higher priority“. With a new online application service the SWB managed to increase the numbers of interested future drivers. In February, the SWB also had to replace eight broken down trams by using buses for the transport of customers.

Bar one tram which will be missing in action for longer due to rust damage, all the other trams are now back on track.

The SWB has now designed emergency timetables which prepare staff and personnel for the eventuality of three, four or five trams breaking down at the same time. To lower the possibility of damage, the workshop will now shorten the time period in between maintenance appointments.

The SWB will have to work with trams from the 1990s for another while - the gradual replacement by 26 new low-floor trams for approximately 65 Million Euro is scheduled for the years 2020 to 2022.

Some customers appreciate that some vintage trams are back in use - others criticise that the 1970s models are not comparable with the service level of new wagons.

To inform potential new employees about the work and services, the SWB are holding an Open Day on Saturday, June 23, from 10am until 2pm at the Betriebshof in Friesdorf, Godesberger Allee 108.

(Original text: Philipp Königs, Translation: Mareike Graepel)

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