But not only are the trains now back on a number of routes. Now there is also the prospect that passengers will soon be able to enjoy the work that closed the tracks for a long period.
It will be faster to get in or out of North Jutland when the trains soon increase their speed. At least between Aalborg and Aarhus.
– They get a little more speed, and it’s news that we, together with the customers, have been really looking forward to. It is no secret that there is a lot of track work on the Danish railway these years, and for many it has caused some inconvenience in relation to changed times, perhaps also some shifts, fewer trains etc., says head of information at DSB, Tony Bishop’s Forest.
– Now some gains are starting to come out of it, which we are all constantly looking forward to, he adds.
Up to 180 km/h
There are several reasons why this can be done.
When the train passengers had to replace the train with a bus for three months from 1 July to 6 October, it was so that different work could be done on the line.
In some places rails have been replaced, but tracks have also been straightened in places where speed has been limited.
In addition, a new signaling system has been installed. Both the digital signal system and the now straighter rails mean that the speed can be increased.
Previously, the trains ran between 120 and 160 km/h between Aalborg and Aarhus. Now the speed will be increased to between 160 and 180 km/h. The speeds on the stretch vary – a bit like on the motorways.
This will of course have an impact on travel times. Information manager Tony Bispeskov explains that DSB’s timetable changes once a year, and that this year it will happen on Sunday 15 December.
– From that date, you will be able to see these new shorter journey times, where you can get up to 8-9 minutes shorter journey time in each direction, which for some – if they commute between Aalborg and Aarhus – can mean a saving of almost an hour and a half week, he says.
It is the lightning trains that save the most time. You save not so much time if you choose a departure with an intercity train. Here you only save about half – that is, about four minutes per trip.
Track work continues
The track work is not completely over, however, and if you thought that shorter journey times meant more departures, you might think again.
– This major track work is over, but in the coming years there will be major track work around Aarhus Banegård, says Tony Bispeskov.
The work around the railway station in Aarhus will last most of 2025 and 2026 and will primarily mean for the people of North Jutland that fewer trains will run on the section between Aarhus and Aalborg.
– It will affect a lot of customers who travel down to Aarhus, says Tony Bispeskov.
A greener and faster future
In connection with the extensive track work in North Jutland, preparations have also been made so that electric-powered trains can eventually be installed.
DSB has purchased electric trains to replace all their diesel trains. The first will be put into operation in 2027, and all of DSB’s diesel trains will be phased out towards 2030.
In addition to being a greener alternative, the electric-powered trains also accelerate faster than the diesel-powered ones.
– This means that we will then be able to cut another few minutes in the journey time when we start running IC5 trains, i.e. the electric trains, up in North Jutland, says the information manager.
Possibility of refund
DSB’s Head of Information reminds that it is possible to get money refunded if you have traveled between Aarhus and Hjørring while the track work has been ongoing.
This applies if you have traveled on one of the products below and have a minimum of three zones on the route between Randers and Hjørring in the period from 27 July 2024 to and including 6 October 2024:
- Commuter card purchased in DSB’s app or RejseBillet app
- Commuter card on Rejsekort commuting or Rejsekort with commuting combi
- Youth card with the three mentioned zones on the approved stretch between your home address and your place of education
- Commuter20 purchased in DSB’s app or RejseBillet app
Even though the track work is over, you can still apply for a refund until 1 November.
– So if you haven’t applied, the invitation is hereby passed on, says Tony Bispeskov.
You can read more and apply for a refund on DSB’s website.
Source: DSB
2024-10-19 11:11:00
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