The Berlin Greens member of the Bundestag, Stefan Gelbhaar, wants to work as a member of the Deutsche Bahn supervisory board to ensure that more long-distance trains stop at Zoo station. “Honestly, if we had to open a new long-distance train station – and if only in terms of passenger potential – it would be the Bahnhof Zoo,” said the Pankow politician to the “Berliner Morgenpost” (Sunday).
“A few more long-distance trains can stop there.” The City West must finally be better connected again. “Of course that means a few minutes more stopping time, maybe not every ICE has to stop at the zoo – but there’s something going on.”
In 2006, the long-distance train stops at the zoo were largely abandoned in favor of the new main station. With the timetable change in mid-December 2021, the zoo became a long-distance train station again: Since then, individual ICE Sprinter trains to and from Cologne/Bonn have stopped there in the mornings and evenings.
Gelbhaar also sees potential when it comes to night trains. “At Deutsche Bahn, considerations about night train connections should be made proactively to show that this is possible, and that’s what it takes,” he said. “I think that’s a question that shouldn’t only be asked of Deutsche Bahn. At the end of the day it is also a question of money.”
In the federal budget for 2022, five million euros are earmarked for night trains “to finally actively address the issue,” said Gelbhaar. “There is a demand, night trains can be worthwhile and make a contribution to climate-friendly travel, so something should happen here.” In the past, a number of connections via Berlin had been discontinued because they were not economical.
Gelbhaar is spokesman for transport in the Greens parliamentary group. Around three weeks ago, the parliamentary group nominated the 45-year-old as their representative on the Deutsche Bahn supervisory board. (dpa)
