Frankfurt-Mainz rail closure forces travelers onto buses and detours
The Frankfurt-Mainz railway line has been fully closed since mid-July for a major upgrade. Deutsche Bahn has rolled out a large-scale replacement system to keep passengers moving during the shutdown. Most travelers are still relying on buses or diverted train services to reach their destinations.
With the line shut until mid-December, Deutsche Bahn has brought in 150 buses to cover regional routes. Long-distance and freight trains have also been rerouted to avoid disruption. Despite the changes, surveys show that 78% of passengers are using replacement buses or alternative train connections.
A small but noticeable shift in travel habits has occurred since construction began. Around 12% of travelers have switched to cars or motorcycles instead of trains. Another 10% have turned to other transport options this summer.
Feedback on the replacement services has been largely positive. Some 78% of respondents rated their experience as excellent or good. In particular, 86% praised the buses for their comfort and amenities, while 75% commended the drivers for their service.
The Frankfurt-Mainz line remains closed for repairs, with reopening planned for mid-December. Until then, most passengers continue to use buses or rerouted trains. The alternative transport system has received strong approval from travelers, though some have moved to private vehicles instead.
