After two years of an extensive Corona break, the operators of historic railways in Bavaria are hoping for many passengers in the summer season. “Operation was only possible to a limited extent during the pandemic,” said Arnulf Baier, chairman of the operating association of the hiking railway in Viechtach, Lower Bavaria. “It remains to be seen whether one season alone will be enough to compensate for the absences caused by the pandemic.”
The secretary of the operating association in Ebermannstadt (Forchheim district), Stephan Schäff, said 20 operating days were canceled on the Franconian Switzerland steam railway due to Corona. It was only through state aid that the permanent employees did not have to be sent on short-time work. “Two years of losses in passenger numbers and revenue cannot be compensated for in the upcoming summer season,” said Schäff. Nevertheless, one hopes for many passengers who could now plan visits in the longer term.
The Passau railway enthusiasts suffered less financially from the restrictions. In addition to excursions, the association also takes on shunting trips for railway companies, said founding board member Werner Kummer. Because: “If you only concentrate on one mainstay, you will eventually have a problem.” Financially, the club got through the Corona crisis without any major problems. Now the makers hope to be able to go on a long journey with the historic rail bus in June as planned. The railway enthusiasts cannot complain about a lack of loyalty on the part of the volunteers. “On the contrary,” said Eisenbahnfreunde founding board member Kummer. “We welcomed our 200th member in the Corona year 2021.” The Fränkische Schweiz steam railway has not lost any members either, said secretary Schäff. In the spring, the numbers even rose again.
In Viechtach, the operators of the hiking railway were also able to make good use of the Corona break. In the lockdown year 2020, the historic railcar was upgraded for further years of operation, said association chairman Baier. In the current season there are at least 16 operating days and up to ten special trips.