Upgrade for local transport between Niebüll and Dagebüll

• Improved passenger information, increased accessibility
• Trains and service points receive new design
• Infrastructure and stations will be modernised 

The local transport on the West Coast, between Niebüll and Dagebüll, is being upgraded: The state of Schleswig-Holstein, the local transport association Schleswig-Holstein GmbH (NAH.SH), and the Norddeutsche Eisenbahn Niebüll GmbH, which is part of the RDC Deutschland group, have initiated a series of measures to ensure stable operations in the future and to help passengers orient themselves better. This includes modernisations at stations and infrastructure, a new paint job for the vehicles, and the service point in Niebüll. 

New transport contract

A new contract between the state of Schleswig-Holstein and the Norddeutsche Eisenbahn Niebüll GmbH will start in December 2025. In March 2023, the state and NAH.SH put the rail service on the RB 65 Niebüll – Dagebüll Mole line out to tender across Europe, and the offer from the RDC Deutschland group was awarded the contract. The new transport contract is the basis for many improvements, such as additional vehicles and a new design for vehicles and service points.

NAH.SH Managing Director Dr. Arne Beck: We have experienced the Norddeutsche Eisenbahn Niebüll in the past as a committed and reliable local transport provider for the region and are pleased that the company can solidify its position in Schleswig-Holstein with the new transport contract. We sincerely thank all employees for their commitment. We have now secured the collaboration contractually for the next nine years and have also been able to package a whole range of measures to further advance local transport between Niebüll and Dagebüll. In total, the state of Schleswig-Holstein is investing around 23.8 million euros in the measures.

The modernisation of the stations

The platforms of the train stations in Deezbüll, Maasbüll, and Dagebüll-Mole on the Niebüll – Dagebüll route were modernised last year by the Norddeutsche Eisenbahn Niebüll. They now have the uniform platform height of 76 cm across the state, making boarding easier. Currently, the company uses lifting platforms in Niebüll and Dagebüll Mole to facilitate boarding for passengers with reduced mobility into the still non-accessible vehicles. The stations have passenger information in a two-sense principle, tactile elements for visually impaired individuals, and new waiting areas. For Dagebüll-Mole, there is also a new architecturally striking platform hall, making transfers to the ferries significantly more pleasant. The state of Schleswig-Holstein has so far funded these infrastructure measures with around 4.5 million euros. The current state local transport plan includes the construction of the new Bosbüll stop on the Niebüll – Tondern route. The renewal of passenger information along the route and the modernisation of digital display and information systems are also planned.

A fresh makeover for the vehicles

The company belonging to the RDC Deutschland group will soon have two additional railcars available for operation due to the new transport contract, bringing the total to five vehicles. This provides sufficient vehicle capacity when DB Fernverkehr, as announced, no longer deploys carriages to and from Dagebüll or when trains need to be reinforced. Additionally, it is planned to rent the vehicles to other transport companies in Schleswig-Holstein as needed. One vehicle was already successfully deployed for reinforcement during the Kiel Week.

The RDC vehicles will receive a fresh coat of paint in the state-wide NAH.SH design. The two additional vehicles have also been technically overhauled and extensively refurbished. This upgrade aims to prepare them for use in the coming years and to increase operational stability. Minor repairs and renewals in the interior will also take place. The first upgraded vehicle has already been operating between Niebüll and Dagebüll since Easter. The second is expected to start operations soon. The state is contributing approximately 1.9 million euros to the costs.

The modernisation of the infrastructure

Investments are also being made in the Niebüll – Tondern route belonging to the Norddeutsche Eisenbahn Niebüll. The bridges over the Karrharder Gotteskoogstrom (Bosbüller Sielzug) and the Dreiharder Gotteskoogstrom have been completely renewed and successfully put into operation in January. The renewal is part of comprehensive measures to increase the permissible line speed from 80 km/h to 120 km/h in the future. This significantly improves operational quality and stabilises the timetable. This particularly benefits connections at the full hour in Niebüll and, prospectively, at the half-hour at the Danish destination station Esbjerg. Furthermore, the route will be equipped with European train control technology in the coming years to enable continuous vehicle deployment again. The state of Schleswig-Holstein has significantly funded the construction of the two structures with around 3 million euros.

The RDC Deutschland group already achieves good punctuality rates today, especially in its local transport sector: In 2024, punctuality averaged 89.2% on the RB 65 route, with reliability averaging 100 percent. By May 2025, it achieved an average of 90.2 percent punctuality and an average of 100 percent reliability. Thanks to infrastructure improvements, such as the bridge renewals that allow for higher speeds and more time buffers on the route, as well as additional vehicle reserves, the Norddeutsche Eisenbahn Niebüll is well positioned for the future.

New paint job for the sales point

The RDC customer centre in Niebüll, on Bahnhofstraße, plays a significant role in ticket sales, advice on local transport offerings, and tourist traffic. The service point combines the offerings of NAH.SH and the RDC Deutschland group. Whether ticket purchases, reservations, questions, or suggestions – the trained sales staff for transport services provide advice on the offerings of the blue AUTOZUG Sylt, the SH tariff, or the offerings of the Norddeutsche Eisenbahn Niebüll. The rooms have been renovated and will receive a new appearance in the NAH.SH design. The renovation is expected to be completed by the end of July 2025. The new appearance will provide more clarity, recognition, and especially orientation for passengers. This is also based on the new transport contract.

Julian Rönsch, Managing Director of the Norddeutsche Eisenbahn Niebüll: With the new transport contract and the comprehensive modernisation package, we are setting the course for a future-proof, reliable, and comfortable local transport between Niebüll and Dagebüll. The investments in infrastructure, accessibility, modern passenger information, and fresh vehicle design are a strong signal to our passengers: We take their needs seriously and are advancing the region. We will not rest on our laurels: Further improvements will follow. My thanks go to our dedicated employees and our partners in the state of Schleswig-Holstein and NAH.SH for their trust and good cooperation.

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