The Wunderline promotes cross-border cooperation together with many partners along the line. Since 2019, more than 20 municipalities and districts along the railway line, together with public transport organisations and the provinces of Groningen, Lower Saxony and Bremen, have formed the Wunderline Network Chain Mobility. This is a unique mobility collaboration in Europe, aimed at better (bus) connections, safer stations and better bicycle parking facilities. A network with lots of ideas and enthusiasm! The chairpersons are Landrat Groote of the district of Leer and Mayor Sikkema of the municipality of Oldambt.
The Wunderline is a railway connection between the northern border regions of the Netherlands and Germany. This connection makes it easier for students, employees and tourists to travel to the neighboring country. The improved accessibility of stations with good connections for buses and bicycles provides greater comfort and stimulates the economic development of municipalities along the line. Tourism is also given a boost by the Wunderline, and the Outdooractive app allows travellers to discover a lot along the line, making Wunderline GO a reality. In short, the Wunderline promotes cooperation, growth and exchange between the Netherlands and Germany.
The Execution programme introduced by the Chain mobility network has three themes: connecting, accessibility & surrounding infrastructure and accommodation quality. Let us explain them here.
It is important that various means of transport are effectively and logically connected together, so that travellers can switch from one to another more simply. From the train to a bus for example, or from a bus to bike sharing. The connecting theme also refers to the accessibility for less able-bodied travellers, as well as logical walking routes within the station. But it also refers to sufficient space for various means of transport. Think in terms of bus and train stops, taxi ranks and bike storage sheds.
The station itself must be easily accessible. This theme includes aspects such as effective connecting to walking and cycle routes in the direction of the station.
If a station is a pleasant place to stay, the general travel experience will become more positive. This also increases the chance that travellers will once again opt for the train in the future. Accommodation quality is all about the level of services at the station and in the surrounding area. Think in terms of catering options, provision of information at stations and plenty of room to shelter during bad weather. Safe bike storage sheds are another important aspect.
