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Germany train crash: Who owns Bavaria's trains? Germany train crash: Who owns Bavaria's trains?
(about 1 hour later)
Two trains, run by the same company, have crashed into each other on a single-track regional line in Bavaria, in southern Germany, killing at least nine people and injuring many more. The cause of the accident is not yet clear. But there is a tangled web of ownership and management of services on the commuter line.Two trains, run by the same company, have crashed into each other on a single-track regional line in Bavaria, in southern Germany, killing at least nine people and injuring many more. The cause of the accident is not yet clear. But there is a tangled web of ownership and management of services on the commuter line.
Who owns the track?Who owns the track?
Germany's railway lines were built in the 19th Century. Deutsche Bahn, a company that operates all over Germany and belongs to the federal government, owns the track. It is responsible for all infrastructure.Germany's railway lines were built in the 19th Century. Deutsche Bahn, a company that operates all over Germany and belongs to the federal government, owns the track. It is responsible for all infrastructure.
The safety and infrastructure of the track is overseen by a federal government body, the Eisenbahnbundesamt (link in German).The safety and infrastructure of the track is overseen by a federal government body, the Eisenbahnbundesamt (link in German).
The Eisenbahn-Unfalluntersuchungstelle, another federal body, has opened an investigation into the events leading up to the crash.The Eisenbahn-Unfalluntersuchungstelle, another federal body, has opened an investigation into the events leading up to the crash.
Who operates the signals?Who operates the signals?
DB Netz, a subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn, runs railway signalling across Germany. Its most recent annual report - from 2014 - states that 424 of the 3,090 signal boxes were electronic.DB Netz, a subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn, runs railway signalling across Germany. Its most recent annual report - from 2014 - states that 424 of the 3,090 signal boxes were electronic.
On the stretch of railway line in question, however, the signal box was of an older generation, which is run by relay interlocking and requires human input.On the stretch of railway line in question, however, the signal box was of an older generation, which is run by relay interlocking and requires human input.
However, there is another safety measure. If a train driver breaks a red signal, automatic braking will come in to play. Deutsche Bahn have confirmed to the BBC that this measure was available on the Holzkirchen-Rosenheim line, where the accident happened. However, there is another safety measure. If a train driver breaks a red signal, automatic braking will come into play. Deutsche Bahn have confirmed to the BBC that this measure was available on the Holzkirchen-Rosenheim line, where the accident happened.
Who owns and operates the trains?Who owns and operates the trains?
Germany's train services were part-privatised in a reform programme in the 1990s. The services of the train operating companies are bought in at state level. In Bavaria this is done by the Bayerische Eisenbahngesellschaft (link in German).Germany's train services were part-privatised in a reform programme in the 1990s. The services of the train operating companies are bought in at state level. In Bavaria this is done by the Bayerische Eisenbahngesellschaft (link in German).
Railway contracts for local and regional trains are awarded through competitive tendering. Private companies sometimes win these and pay Deutsche Bahn for the use of the track and the stations.Railway contracts for local and regional trains are awarded through competitive tendering. Private companies sometimes win these and pay Deutsche Bahn for the use of the track and the stations.
The companies own the trains and employ the drivers.The companies own the trains and employ the drivers.
The trains that crashed on Tuesday morning were part of a recently-built diesel fleet. The fleet belongs to the Bayerische Oberlandbahn (BOB), a privatised train company, which operates in the Bad Aibling area under the local name Meridian. The BOB exists across southern Bavaria. Its parent company, Transdev, is in turn owned by the French company Veolia.The trains that crashed on Tuesday morning were part of a recently-built diesel fleet. The fleet belongs to the Bayerische Oberlandbahn (BOB), a privatised train company, which operates in the Bad Aibling area under the local name Meridian. The BOB exists across southern Bavaria. Its parent company, Transdev, is in turn owned by the French company Veolia.
Last week the BOB warned (link in German) that ten out of the fleet of 35 were out of order, owing to technical difficulties. As the cause of the accident is currently unknown, there is no suggestion that this was to blame.Last week the BOB warned (link in German) that ten out of the fleet of 35 were out of order, owing to technical difficulties. As the cause of the accident is currently unknown, there is no suggestion that this was to blame.