2022-June-A train goes nowhere

It happens over and over again and it can happen to anyone: a train cancellation in the middle of nowhere. It happened to us today in Fürstenberg (Havel). That is a train station that only knows ICEs as 'passing through'.

But the weather was nice and if I'm honest, I was glad that we could now stretch our legs in the fresh air. It was supposed to be a short stop because the train conductor had to restart his engine. 

The weather stayed nice, but the engine didn't want to start anymore. Every attempt to get it running again failed. 

Already the first announcement by the train attendant sounded like a bigger matter. He offered travelers who wanted to cancel their trip the opportunity to return as well. 

A regional train would soon depart for Berlin. Or another regional train to Rostock. However, it would be very crowded because of the 9-euro ticket. Okay, we didn't want that. Because our destination was Binz. 

The hoping continued. 

In the meantime, not only the smokers and I had left the train. 

A new announcement: a replacement train is being sent to us. Probably departure in one hour from platform 1. We were on platform 2 and that would have meant going down the stairs and up the stairs again. 

Only those in a hurry immediately stormed off after such information. But some did it anyway...

In the meantime, a clever Fürstenberger (from Havel) took the opportunity for a signature campaign. He asked the many stranded people to join him in advocating for a better train station in Fürstenberg (Havel). This underpass alone would be worth every signature.

New announcement: the replacement train will now arrive at platform 3, directly opposite. (Damn, those who had already entered platform 1.)

Next announcement: it could take longer. Actually, our new train was supposed to go to Hamburg. Now these passengers had to be 'persuaded' to leave their train. 

But then: after more than 2 hours, our replacement train arrived. Cars 21 to 27 are exclusive to us, Hamburgers are no longer on board. But don't be surprised, cars 31 to 38 will not open. There are already other people inside. To prevent complete chaos, they were not allowed to go outside. 

But one of our doors was stubborn now: even all the train attendants together could not convince it to open. 

Hardened and toughened by two hours of bad news, we only shrugged our shoulders. However, a group of Americans was disillusioned by the entire journey. One said to the other: 'It's funny, until now, I've believed in German engineering'. 

But German quality workmanship now ensures that

we continue our wild ride in the new train. Stralsund seems to be in sight, but we are already delayed, so they will let the other trains go first. And then this: disruption at a level crossing and a signal box. 

At least our community of fate now has a name, we are the 'Stranded'. That means we have privileges: free drinks and snacks from the onboard restaurant and additionally a stamped application for reimbursement from Deutsche Bahn for each of us. 

It will be an expensive day for the railway, you can feel sorry for them. 

Especially now that everything comes together: the train toilets in the rear part of the train are out of order. Everyone has to come forward to us in Stralsund. Those are the ones who weren't allowed to get off in Fürstenberg (Havel) earlier. 

As soon as everyone is on the train, the door from earlier starts acting up again. This time it doesn't want to close. Continuous loud beeping. As a result, a passenger comments, 'Everyone away from the table... Resuscitation futile'. 

But then, it's really true, thunderous applause from the passengers. We're moving!!!

Over 3 hours of delay, happy people leave the train!

Thank you for traveling with Deutsche Bahn.