A failure of the digital mobile radio system GSM-R brought Germany’s entire rail network to a standstill late Tuesday evening. Trains nationwide came to a halt, affecting long-distance, regional, and S-Bahn services. The cause of the disruption remains unclear, according to Deutsche Bahn.
GSM-R is the communication system that connects trains with control centers. Without this connection, train drivers cannot receive operating permits, and switches cannot be controlled remotely.
A nationwide total failure is unprecedented. The disruption affects all train types, from ICE to S-Bahn. Passengers have been advised to check current connections before traveling.
This follows a major construction site near Riedbahn, which also led to weeks of restrictions.
Source: www.zeit.de
