S-Bahn clearing in Leipzig: Fewer trips, more trouble for commuters!

S-Bahn clearing in Leipzig: Fewer trips, more trouble for commuters!

Leipzig, Deutschland - The Leipzig S-Bahn traffic will be on offer from the 2025 winter timetable. This was announced in a communication of the special purpose association for the local transport area in Leipzig (ZVNL) on Tuesday. The changes have become necessary due to the financial framework, and the S-Bahn 5, which drives to Leipzig-Halle Airport, is one of the lines that will be affected. From this point on, many lines will no longer run every 30, but only every 60 minutes, especially in more rural areas.

affected transport connections also include the S-Bahn to Taucha, which only runs once an hour from 8 p.m. instead of the previous frequency every 30 minutes to 11 p.m. Markkleeberg will be approached less frequently in the future, with just one line that serves all four stations. The situation for the S10, which runs from Leipzig Central Station to Miltitzer Allee to Grünau, is particularly critical, since this line is completely set.

effects on the timetable

A special restriction awaits passengers on the S3 line to Markkleeberg-Großstädteln: from 2026 it will only drive two- instead of four times an hour from morning to 9 p.m., only between 9 and 1:05 a.m. The fears of passengers are countered by a citizens' initiative that has launched the petition "Stop S-Bahn-Kahlschlag". According to ZVNL, over 6,300 passengers are affected by the cuts.

ZVNL chairman Kai Emanuel leads the Germany ticket as one of the main reasons for the declines of passenger revenue. The proceeds from ticket sales have dropped significantly, while the costs per pull kilometer have risen by more than 250 percent since 2014. Managing Director Bernd Irrgang assures that the savings, especially in the evening, can be implemented more easily and cost -efficiently.

political and economic background

The cuts that have now been decided are not only financial in nature, but also politically because the previous transport contract has expired. A new tender is delayed due to the geopolitical situation, especially through the Russian war of attack on Ukraine. This has caused interested transport companies to not present any offers. Turbulence in the financial sector and interrupted supply chains contribute in addition to complication.

The people responsible for the ZVNL emphasize that a new transport contract will only come into force from winter 2026. The situation remains tense until the new regulations come into force. It is only for 2027 that a return to the condition before 2025 is expected, with the view of two additional trips until 0:04 a.m.

For more information about the tariff framework and the applicable tickets, it is advisable to visit the website of the Mitteldeutsche Verkehrsverbund at mdv.de .