Procedure outlined in Article 93 (2) of the Treaty will be set in motion by the Commission.

Berlin-Hamburg Travel Disrupted: Diversionary Routes Activated - Procedure outlined in Article 93 (2) of the Treaty will be set in motion by the Commission.

The Hamburg-Berlin railway line is currently undergoing a significant nine-month closure, scheduled to last from August 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026. This closure affects both long-distance and regional trains on the 278-kilometer route due to extensive renovation works [1][4].

The line closure has resulted in the operation of replacement traffic with buses for numerous regional routes between Hamburg and Berlin. These buses have been in operation since early Friday morning [2]. The railway company announced the operation of the replacement traffic [4].

The closure affects around 470 trains per day, with long-distance trains rerouted via alternative paths, adding approximately 100 km to some routes. Freight trains take even longer detours [3][4]. On the other hand, over 170 buses substitute regional train connections to serve towns on the closed line [1][4].

Real-time travel information is provided via DB Navigator and regional transit apps to keep passengers informed [1][4]. However, the typical 90-minute journey can extend to more than two hours or more, substantially affecting commuters, who number about 30,000 daily on this route [2][4].

Passengers must rely on diverted train routes for long-distance travel and replacement bus services for regional segments. Increased travel times and potential congestion on replacement buses present significant travel challenges [2][4].

The line closure is part of a wider scope of renovation, which includes the renovation of over 180 km of track, around 200 switches, installation of new signal boxes, and modernization of 28 control stations [1][3].

This major disruption reflects the scale and urgency of the infrastructure upgrades underway, leading to a shift from rail to bus for regional passengers.

1. In light of the nine-month closure on the Hamburg-Berlin railway line, it's imperative for the railway company to review and adjust its employment policy to accommodate the increased need for bus drivers and attendants to efficiently handle the replacement traffic.
2. To minimize the financial impact on commuters due to the extended travel times caused by the railway closure, the community policy could consider offering subsidies for alternate means of transportation such as public-transit options, including bus services.
3. As part of the broader industry-wide push for modernization and renovation, the employment policy within the automotive sector should also prioritize supporting the development and adoption of advanced, energy-efficient transportation technologies, such as electric buses, to improve the overall public-transit system during and post the railway line's renovation.

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