Frequently Asked Questions
Our mission
Every day, the waldbahn transports thousands of passengers safely and comfortably through the Bavarian Forest—from Plattling via Gotteszell to Bayerisch Eisenstein, from Gotteszell to Viechtach, from Zwiesel (Bay) to Bodenmais or Grafenau. At Plattling station, it serves the interregional ICE and regional connections and is the most important feeder service from the forest to the world for the people in the region. But why does it run there at all? We provide an insight into the distribution of tasks in the rail network.
Client
Bayerische Eisenbahngesellschaft (BEG)
Our client, Bayerische Eisenbahngesellschaft (BEG), organizes local rail transport on behalf of the Free State of Bavaria. It plans and finances train services, awards transport contracts, and ensures that quality, punctuality, and service are up to standard.
As a rail transport company, we work closely with BEG to offer passengers modern, safe, and customer-oriented rail services. Together, we pursue the goal of making mobility in Bavaria sustainable.
Who is the Bayerische Eisenbahngesellschaft (BEG)?
The Bayerische Eisenbahngesellschaft is a company owned by the Free State of Bavaria. Acting on behalf of the State Ministry for Economic Affairs, Infrastructure, Transport and Technology, the BEG plans, finances, and oversees local rail passenger transport (SPNV) in Bavaria.
What does the BEG do?
The key responsibilities of the BEG include the design and improvement of timetables, as well as quality assurance within Bavaria’s local rail passenger transport (SPNV). In addition, the BEG tenders transport services for which various railway companies submit their proposals. The bid offering the best combination of price and quality is awarded the contract and appointed as the operator. We, as Die Länderbahn GmbH DLB, operate daily rail services with our products as the contracted operator. We provide rolling stock and personnel and ensure punctuality, cleanliness, and customer service.
What does “on behalf of BEG” mean?
Like all railway operators in Bavarian local rail passenger transport, waldbahn operates on behalf of the Bavarian Railway Company (BEG). BEG plans, finances, and supervises local rail passenger transport (SPNV) in the Free State of Bavaria and commissions us to operate specific lines. We implement what is stipulated in our agreed transport contract.
Who is responsible for waldbahn?
waldbahn is part of Die Länderbahn GmbH DLB — you can find more information here. The Bavarian Railway Company (BEG) acts as our contracting authority and is not responsible for the day-to-day operation of waldbahn.
Who decides on timetables and routes?
The timetables and routes are determined by the BEG. We operate in accordance with these specifications and contribute our expertise to their implementation. For day‑to‑day operations, however, we as Die Länderbahn GmbH DLB — with our Bavarian product brands alex, oberpfalzbahn, and waldbahn — are independently responsible.
Who determines when and how often the trains run, and how many seats are available?
The Bayerische Eisenbahngesellschaft (BEG) is responsible for planning, organizing, and financing local rail passenger transport (SPNV) in Bavaria. Since these are public transport services, they are put out to tender, and the most economically advantageous bid is awarded the contract. These tendering procedures generally take place three to five years in advance, as the procurement of rolling stock requires corresponding lead time. The tender documents specify detailed minimum requirements, such as the number of train services to be operated, the number of seats per service, specific comfort features of the trains, and much more. Die Länderbahn GmbH DLB consistently implements these BEG requirements, including the timetable and the number of seats offered.