Salzburg - Munich Express

[WestCoast]

Took this route a few days ago, when I last used this service the ubiquitous DB locos and DOSTOs (double decker stock) operated on the line. The new "Meridian" Stadler FLIRTs are very nice, particularly liked the power outlets at the tables and the conductors onboard (about four of them for an eight coach train in two units ) were visible at a "Service Desk" in the passenger area.

I read they had problems early on with the new trains and hired in various types but everything is more or less fine now.

However, is this downgrade to single deck not a significant reduction in seating capacity for the line? Or can these trains comfortably cope with the loads?

I know a private operator is taking over some of the double deck REs in NRW, but Stadler double decks are replacing them. Is capacity less of an issue in less densely populated (upper) Bavaria I wonder?

 

[gordonthemoron]

I think the Meridians run hourly Munich-Salzburg, whereas the DB double deckers ran two-hourly. I thought the Stadler trains were nice but a bit odd, especially the toilets. In February the Holzkirchen-Rosenheim trains were still hired in Vogtlandbahn DMUs which was a bit crap on an electrified line

 

[northwichcat]

I think the Meridians run hourly Munich-Salzburg, whereas the DB double deckers ran two-hourly.

They ran hourly in April 2013 when I used them.

 

[gordonthemoron]

They ran hourly in April 2013 when I used them.

they didn't when I lived in Munich up till early 2012

 

[dutchflyer]

DoSto=DoppelSTOck=double decker: not economic, varies with route, if too big for normal daytime and only in peak time can double the el-sets. or even detach/attach for more busy into town sectors.

 

[gordonthemoron]

DoSto=DoppelSTOck=double decker: not economic, varies with route, if too big for normal daytime and only in peak time can double the el-sets. or even detach/attach for more busy into town sectors.

Quite, however, how come Metronom services around Hamburg are mostly if not all double decker? The loadings on Bremen-Hamburg-Hannover off peak are very light

 

[northwichcat]

DoSto=DoppelSTOck=double decker: not economic, varies with route, if too big for normal daytime and only in peak time can double the el-sets. or even detach/attach for more busy into town sectors.

Not sure if it was just the day I travelled but on the day I did travel most services were operated by route branded double deckers but one diagram was being worked by a set of plain red single deck carriages. Both the services I travelled on seemed to have a high proportion of tourists.