Wunderine steering group and meeting network Chain Mobility

The Wunderline steering group and network Chain Mobility directors' meeting took place 15 June at the Eisenhütte in Augustfehn. Commissioner van Hoorn (Groningen Province), State Secretary Doods (Land Niedersachsen), Mayor Sikkema (Municipality of Oldambt), Landrat Groote (Landkreis Leer) and representatives from Bremen, Deutsche Bahn, ProRail and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management from The Hague attended the steering group to discuss the future of the Wunderline.

Wunderline with change in Leer
By the end of 2024, the Wunderline will run between Groningen and Bremen, with a change in Leer. Research has been carried out into whether a direct train connection between Groningen and Bremen is possible in the future, i.e. without this transfer. The results have been discussed with the steering committee and the conclusion is that this is not possible in the short term (within 3 years). Long-term options are still being investigated. Even with a transfer in Leer, the Wunderline will provide a shorter journey time of 17 minutes between Groningen and Bremen by the end of 2024. After completion of this phase, we will continue with further acceleration and quality improvement of the train connection.

Political power region Bremen to Groningen united in Chain Mobility network
In the afternoon, it was time for the annual meeting of the Network Chain Mobility. A unique network, of 20 Dutch and German municipalities, together with transport organisations ZVBN, VEJ, OV-Bureau Groningen-Drenthe and the federal states of Lower Saxony and the province of Groningen. A train connection in rural areas is particularly attractive when the station is easily accessible and different means of transport to and from the stations are logically connected. And when the station is a pleasant place to stay. The network is concerned with these focal points. Experience shows that cross-border exchange with transport organisations and administrators ensures cross-pollination of ideas and structural cooperation in the field of mobility in general. In addition, a strong network makes it easier to get funding, e.g. from Brussels, Berlin and The Hague.