3G for trains: doubts about controllability

It is still unclear which corona requirements will apply to rail customers in the future. Chancellor Merkel thinks a 3G rule on long-distance trains makes sense. Several federal ministries have concerns.

To protect against corona infections, it is currently being discussed whether only passengers who have been vaccinated, recovered or tested negative should have access to long-distance trains. This also applies to domestic flights. Chancellor Angela Merkel is sticking to the planned so-called 3G rule, as government spokesman Steffen Seibert emphasized: “The number of cases in Germany is increasing significantly, which means we have to think about what we can do to dampen or reduce this increase again to stop.”

Experience from France

A large part of the people in Germany have been vaccinated and thus protected, according to Seibert, but they are responsible for children up to the age of twelve, for whom there is no vaccine. Seibert also pointed out that France had introduced the 3G rule in long-distance rail traffic in August, and Italy will do the same. “At least it is not considered impossible or uncontrollable there, insofar as the Chancellor continues to believe that 3G can be a possible and sensible measure in long-distance trains and on domestic flights,” said Seifert.

In terms of controllability, however, several federal ministries have concerns. In the opinion of the Ministry of Health, Transport and the Interior, it would be practically impracticable to enforce such a regulation, the ministries formulate in a letter sent to the ARD capital studio is present. It says: “The introduction of a 3G regulation, which obviously cannot be controlled or at least can only be controlled to a very limited extent and thus enforced, is nowhere near.”

Control at entry seems impossible

Public access is an essential feature of local and long-distance public transport. With regard to train travelers, it is said that unlike in France, for example, passengers are not checked when boarding and do not have to register anywhere or reserve a fixed seat. A control when boarding is excluded because of the short stopping times.

So there is a need for regulation and difficulties in a possible implementation, as the spokesman for the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Alter, explained: “Some things are immediately obvious to every outsider, that if a long-distance train stops somewhere for 30 seconds or 45 seconds, you then think about it You have to think about how you actually want to organize it if you didn’t have to register beforehand. This question is also in the room, and you have to answer it. “

Scholz is also in favor of the 3G regulation

Vice Chancellor and SPD Chancellor candidate Olaf Scholz stood behind the Chancellor on Sunday at the so-called Triell on RTL and n-tv and spoke out in favor of a 3G regulation to ensure more safety for travelers. His suggestion in terms of controllability: “If you get on the long-distance trains, you don’t have to show your ticket,” said Scholz. “You will be checked afterwards.”

A 3G rule is currently being examined further within the government, as Seibert said – and counter-arguments were part of a test order. So the debate is not over yet. We will stay in touch, said Seibert – and will continue to monitor very closely how the number of corona cases develops.