The buildings and forecourts at train stations should be friendly and inviting – at least that’s what Deutsche Bahn wants. Many of the buildings have been sold in the past, but that is now to end.
Deutsche Bahn (DB) has stopped the sale of reception buildings at its stations that are no longer used. Instead, the areas should be further developed together with the respective cities and communities, the company announced in Berlin. The DB spoke of a “change of course”. It was justified with the importance of the approximately 700 station reception buildings for the image of the railway.
“Train stations are the gateway for travelers to the train, and their buildings and forecourts are like a place’s calling card,” explained Berthold Huber, the Deutsche Bahn Board Member responsible for infrastructure. “They have to be friendly and welcoming. That’s why we’re stopping the sale of our reception buildings.” In recent years, more than 2,800 of around 3,500 station buildings have been sold.
According to the state-owned company, numerous former station buildings that are no longer used have been sold because they are difficult to maintain. Instead of the sale, “a further strengthening” of the station building will now be put in place, the railway said. There are already corresponding examples in Saarlouis, Cottbus and Halle an der Saale. There will only be exceptions for a few buildings for which binding legal commitments have already been made with local authorities.
Huber also justified the changed approach with the mobility turnaround towards more climate-friendly modes of transport. In order to increase the acceptance of the railway, attractive railway stations and a pleasant environment are required, he said. This is “in the interests of the common good”. Municipalities would also benefit.
