Unlimited and pleasant travel? We are making it work together

The Wunderline promotes cross-border cooperation. In 2019, more than 20 municipalities and Landkreise along the railway line, together with a public transport organisation, established Network Chain Mobility. A unique mobility cooperation in Europe. Two administrators from the region are actively committed to the network. On the German side Landrat Groote (Landkreis Leer) and on the Dutch side Mayor Sikkema (municipality of Oldambt). The Chain Mobility Network is funded by municipalities, the province of Groningen and Land Niedersachsen.

Wunderline: more than a railway connection

The Wunderline is a railway connection between the northern border regions of the Netherlands and Germany. This connection makes it easier for students, employees and tourists to travel to the neighboring country. The improved accessibility of the stations, with good connections to buses and bicycles, offers more comfort and promotes the economic development of the communities along the route. Tourism also receives a boost from the Wunderline and with the WunderlineGo app, travelers can discover even more. In short, the Wunderline promotes cooperation, growth and exchange between the Netherlands and Germany.

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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