Major Disruptions on RE1 Regional Train Line Hit Berlin‑Brandenburg Commuters

More than one in ten RE1 trips between Magdeburg and Frankfurt (Oder) have been cancelled this year, ODEG CEO Lars Gehrke told a press briefing in Berlin. Construction on the new Berlin‑Köpenick and Fangschleuse (Oder‑Spree) stations is blamed for the unreliability, with the line serving about 60,000 passengers daily across three state capitals.

The operator ODEG, a subsidiary of DB, accuses DB Infrastructure of the delays and warns of a nine‑month closure of the Berlin Ostbahnhof‑Frankfurt (Oder) section slated to start in 2029. Left‑wing Bundestag member Christian Görke warned that eastern Brandenburg risks being "left behind" and called the planned works "suicide with notice". The disruptions have fueled political criticism over the prioritisation and funding of the East‑West corridor.

The line, considered a vital commuter artery, may face further short‑notice cancellations and replacement services as the extensive works continue through the coming years.