In a move aimed at improving clarity and accessibility, CFL will replace its traditional line-number system with a more passenger-friendly approach starting in mid-December.

The Luxembourg National Railway Company (CFL) has announced significant changes to the way rail information is communicated. Starting mid-December, CFL will replace its traditional line-number-based system (e.g., line 10, line 60) with a simplified approach focused "on the information passengers really need."

Under the new policy, train identification will prioritise departure times and destinations rather than line numbers. This shift aims to make rail information more accessible and reliable for passengers.

According to CFL, the move is a response to frequent confusion among passengers who struggled to recall line numbers, train numbers, or train types (e.g., RE or RB). To address this, CFL will emphasise key details such as the destination, departure time, and stations served in announcements and communications.

This change also extends to announcements at stations and on trains, which will now use clearer language. For example, a previous announcement might have been:

"Attention, due to a train crossing malfunction at Bettembourg, all RE trains on line 60 are cancelled."

Under the new system, the message would read:

"Following emergency maintenance at Bettembourg, the frequency of trains is being adapted on the Luxembourg City - Esch/Alzette - Rodange line."

To support the rollout, CFL has published an updated rail map that reflects the new communication strategy. The company aims to improve clarity and ensure passengers can navigate the rail network with ease.

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New display names on station platforms

CFL is also updating the signage on station platforms to provide clearer, more detailed information for passengers. The redesigned displays will prioritise essential details while introducing a new feature showing train composition and occupancy rates.

The updated signage will use revised colour schemes to enhance legibility. While train numbers and abbreviations such as "RB" and "RE" will still appear, their prominence will be reduced since they are less familiar to most passengers. These elements will primarily serve internal and organisational purposes.

The new displays will also account for train direction and occupancy levels in different carriages, helping passengers locate available seats more easily.

New line names focused on destinations

To simplify navigation, CFL is renaming its railway lines to reflect key destinations, focusing on familiar elements such as the train's departure point, final destination, and main interchanges. For cross-border trains, the names will include the last stop within Luxembourg before entering Belgium, France, or Germany.

Sub-lines, such as Kautenbach-Wiltz and Ettelbruck-Troisvierges-Gouvy, have also been integrated into the new system to further assist passengers in planning their journeys.

New line names:
Luxembourg City - Ettelbruck - Troisvierges - Gouvy (formerly Line 10)
Sub-lines:
• Kautenbach – Wiltz
• Luxembourg City – Ettelbruck – Diekirch

Luxembourg City – Kleinbettingen – Arlon (formerly Line 50)

Luxembourg City – Wasserbillig – Trier (formerly Line 30)

Luxembourg City – Esch/Alzette – Rodange (formerly Line 60)
Sub-lines:
• Bettembourg – Volmerange-les-Mines
• Esch/Alzette – Audun-le-Tiche
• Noertzange – Rumelange

Luxembourg City – Bascharage-Sanem – Rodange – Athus (formerly Line 70)

Luxembourg City – Bascharage-Sanem – Rodange – Longwy (formerly Line 70)

Luxembourg City – Thionville – Metz (formerly Line 90)

These changes will take effect from mid-December 2024, starting with updates to the CFL app, the train network map, and timetable search features. Further updates will follow, including revised timetable leaflets online, refreshed station displays, and signage improvements as part of ongoing works.