Saxony Faces Cuts to Regional Rail Service

Due to additional costs running into the millions for the use of rail rights-of-way, public transportation authorities in Saxony are scaling back their services. The price per kilometer for a regional train has risen by about 9 percent for 2026, according to the Upper Elbe Public Transportation Authority (VVO). This year alone, the VVO incurred additional costs of 8.8 million euros; the Central Saxony Transportation Authority (VMS) reports 5.3 million euros in additional costs. These costs are not being offset by federal or state subsidies, according to the report. 

As a result, when the new timetable takes effect in December, low-demand services—particularly on weekends, holidays, and during the Christmas and summer breaks—will be canceled. This affects, for example, lines RB 80, 81, and 83, as well as several lines in the City-Bahn network. Service on the S3 between Freiberg and Dresden will be scaled back and limited to the Dresden-Tharandt section. Cuts are also under discussion for the RB 71 (Pirna-Sebnitz) as well as the S1 and S2 lines in the Dresden area. 

VVO Managing Director Burkhard Ehlen emphasized that the intention was actually to expand service rather than reduce it. “However, without financial support from the state or swift decisions on new track access charges at the federal level, we have no other choice. The planned cuts will affect both rural regions and the Dresden metropolitan area.”