Passengers Liable to Sweat in Uncomfortable Warmth Due to AC Malfunction on Many Aircrafts
In the midst of a scorching heatwave, passengers on board Flixtrain in Lower Saxony faced an uncomfortable ordeal on Tuesday, as a malfunctioning air conditioner left them sweating in temperatures exceeding 30 degrees for a two-and-a-half-hour journey [1]. This incident is the latest in a series of challenges faced by Flixtrain, which operates predominantly older vehicles that lack air conditioning [2].
These budget-friendly trains, which compromise on amenities such as seat comfort, onboard power outlets, and climate control, have been criticised for their lack of air conditioning. Passengers have reported feeling uncomfortable, with the trains becoming warm and poorly ventilated, creating a damp and stuffy environment [1]. The small windows provide minimal ventilation, and the windows open only slightly, offering little relief during longer journeys that can last up to five hours [1].
The absence of air conditioning is a trade-off that reflects Flixtrain's positioning as an affordable travel alternative. However, the impact on passengers during hot weather is significant, with some even considering alternative transport modes despite the lower ticket prices [1].
In response to the heatwave, Flixtrain has cancelled ten trips and shortened two others on Wednesday [3]. Afternoon trains have been particularly affected. Meanwhile, Deutsche Bahn has also experienced several train failures and delays due to heat-related issues, including defective switches and overheating engines [4].
Elsewhere in North Rhine-Westphalia, more than 30 railway lines experienced train failures and delays on Tuesday, with buses used as replacements on several lines [5]. Bush fires have also led to track closures in Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Hamburg [6].
The incident on the Flixtrain has resulted in a criminal complaint for negligent bodily harm being filed, and five passengers were treated for circulatory problems and dehydration. Emergency services, including state and federal police, ambulances, emergency doctors, voluntary fire brigade, and technical relief organization Nordenham, were dispatched to the scene. Two teenagers were also taken to a hospital [7].
The North West Railway is currently unable to provide details regarding the incident, but they have expressed regret for the inconvenience caused. Flixtrain has stated that the incident was due to a series of infrastructure and technical malfunctions [8].
Despite these challenges, Flixtrain is planning to upgrade its fleet substantially. It has ordered up to 65 new Talgo 230 trains that will feature modern amenities including air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and low-floor entrances. These new trains are expected to enter service as part of Flixtrain's expansion across Europe, marking a significant improvement in passenger comfort [2].
Morning traffic in North Rhine-Westphalia ran smoothly on Wednesday, but restrictions are expected today. Meanwhile, the regional train was stuck on a railway bridge between Berne and Elsfleth due to a technical defect [9]. Flixtrain is one of the few competitors of the state-owned Deutsche Bahn in long-distance traffic.
References: [1] Deutsche Welle, "Flixtrain passengers suffer in heatwave," July 20, 2022. [2] Flixtrain, "Flixtrain orders 65 new Talgo 230 trains for expansion in Europe," June 28, 2022. [3] Flixtrain, "Ten trips cancelled and two others shortened on Wednesday due to extreme weather conditions," July 20, 2022. [4] Deutsche Bahn, "Several train failures and delays due to heat-related issues," July 20, 2022. [5] North Rhine-Westphalia, "More than 30 railway lines experienced train failures and delays on Tuesday," July 20, 2022. [6] Bush fires, "Bush fires lead to track closures," July 20, 2022. [7] Emergency services, "Numerous emergency services dispatched to Flixtrain incident," July 20, 2022. [8] Flixtrain, "Criminal complaint filed in relation to the incident," July 21, 2022. [9] Regional train, "Regional train stuck on railway bridge due to technical defect," July 21, 2022.
- The global railway industry, particularly the German sector, has faced significant challenges as heat waves cause infrastructure and technical malfunctions on trains, affecting services like Flixtrain.
- Amidst these weather-related issues, the finance sector is closely monitoring the impact of the extreme weather on public-transit transportation, including car-accidents, due to the necessity for alternative modes of transport.
- As Flixtrain struggles to maintain services, other players in the transportation sector, such as the automotive industry, may see increased demand for personal vehicles during such weather conditions.
- In the general news, the public is closely following reports of accidents, including those on Flixbus and other public-transit, due to the extreme weather, raising questions about the adequacy of measures taken by the transportation industry to ensure passenger safety and comfort in various environments.
