Unlimited and pleasant travel? We are making it work together

Working together to make travel even more attractive

The Northern Netherlands and northwest Germany have been working together for a long time. In both countries, various organizations are committed to the development of the labor market, tourism and education in this region.

The Wunderline will stimulate this cross-border collaboration even further. In 2019 for example, all the Dutch municipalities and German Landkreise along with the railway track jointly established the Chain mobility network together with a number of public transport organisations. In recent years, this network has developed concrete measures in and around the stations along the Wunderline in the Netherlands and Germany. The purpose of such measures is to make it even more attractive for travellers to make use of the railway connection. All these measures have been bundled in a so-called Execution programme. The network will ensure that this programme is ready for implementation by 2024 at the latest.

Wunderline: more than a railway connection

Action by administrators

Administrating organisations in the region believe strongly in the collaboration. Two of them have become very actively involved within the Wunderline project. On the German side, this is the Landrat Groote of Landkreis Leer, while the Dutch side is represented by Mayor Sikkema of the municipality of Oldambt. They are the representatives of the Chain mobility network, and function as the regional contact persons. They are also members of the Wunderline Steering group.

The Execution programme

The Execution programme introduced by the Chain mobility network has three themes: connecting, accessibility & surrounding infrastructure and accommodation quality. Let us explain them here.

Connecting

It is important that various means of transport are effectively and logically connected together, so that travellers can switch from one to another more simply. From the train to a bus for example, or from a bus to bike sharing. The connecting theme also refers to the accessibility for less able-bodied travellers, as well as logical walking routes within the station. But it also refers to sufficient space for various means of transport. Think in terms of bus and train stops, taxi ranks and bike storage sheds. 

Accessibility

The station itself must be easily accessible. This theme includes aspects such as effective connecting to walking and cycle routes in the direction of the station.

Accommodation quality

If a station is a pleasant place to stay, the general travel experience will become more positive. This also increases the chance that travellers will once again opt for the train in the future. Accommodation quality is all about the level of services at the station and in the surrounding area. Think in terms of catering options, provision of information at stations and plenty of room to shelter during bad weather. Safe bike storage sheds are another important aspect.

Two examples of municipalities

 

Development car park Bad Zwischenahn

 

 

Goal and intended result
In 2018, Bad Zwischenahn Railway Station was extended. In addition, its accessibility was improved. Next step to further improve connectivity between the various modes of transport is the development of a car park near the railway station. Users of public transport can easily use the car park and continue their journey by train or bus. A bike parking with a safety box for e-bikes will be part of the car park. Furthermore, the intention is to improve the accessibility of Bad Zwischenahn’s bus station.

Parties involved
• Municipality of Bad Zwischenahn
• County of Nedersaksen

Planning
Start of development: 2024
Finished: 2024

Intended investment
Approximately € 7 million

 

Improvement junction Kirchhatten/Sandkrug

 

 

Goal and intended result
The municipality of Hatten is developing a junction in Kirchhatten that will be connecting various modes of transport: in the future, bus travelers, motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians will be able to transfer easily and quickly to another mode of transport. The junction will be accessible for the disabled.
There will be 7 bus stops and car sharing facilities, as well as facilities for electric car charging. In, addition, there will be a small building housing a kiosk and restrooms.

Involved parties
• Municipality of Hatten
• County of Nedersaksen

Planning
Start of development: 2021
Finished: 2022

Intended investment
Approximately € 3 million

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