Train line number 10, which connects Luxembourg City to Troisvierges in the north, is subject to frequent delays. Passengers are expressing their frustration in a Facebook Group.

Commuting to Luxembourg City from the north has never been an easy feat, but since 27 August the daily ride for students and workers has become even more strenuous: The Schieburg tunnel partially collapsed, forcing trains on both sides of the tunnel to a stop. Bus replacements were added between Clervaux and Kautenbach, with another direct bus between Clervaux and Ettelbruck.

But despite the national railway company's efforts to keep trains rolling, passengers are reporting horrific delays and poor coordination between modes of transport.

RTL

The Facebook Group "CFL on time...+3' ...+10' ... CANCELLED!!", in which train passengers share their experiences, has seen a vast increase in complaints about delays on the northern line. Pictures showing delays of 30 minutes, or complete cancellations, are recurrent.

One user explains that the train often comes to a standstill in the middle of nowhere, frequently on a part of the line before Ettelbruck. He assumes this is because the regional express train coming in from Diekirch is delayed, having a knock-on effect on other trains in the direction of Luxembourg City.

Read also: Opinion - Six hours of daily commute in such a small country is a disgrace

The journey back to the village of Nocher poses an even greater headache for the man: If the train north is delayed, the bus taking him to his final destination drives off. Why is there no communication between the bus operator and CFL, questions the man. He adds that it is rare for the station head to seek a conversation with the drivers.

Poor communication between CFL and its customers is another heated topic: Users express their disappointment with the app, as the shown times do not reflect real train times.

Unprecedented challenges: CFL director

With unexpected challenges, such as the tunnel collapse, and constant renovation works, the CFL registered a record 365 days of construction in 2022. "If the passengers are not satisfied, neither are we," said general director Marc Wengler in an RTL interview in November.

Wengler pointed out in the interview that "train punctuality reached 92% in the first nine months of the year". New trains will be put into operation in 2023 which are capable of carrying 46% more passengers.