Overview

• Consultancy SCI Verkehr estimates €544.1 million in investments plus €253.2 million in running costs through 2045 to stabilize HSB.
• Steam operations are deemed untenable in their current form, with a new vehicle concept urged that includes diesel-hybrid multiple units.
• HSB’s supervisory board pledges to retain the full network, and the chair said insolvency or winding up is not an option.
• The report models concentrating service on the Brocken and Harzquerbahn, where 96% of ticket revenue is generated, which would largely end regular Selketalbahn service; leaders also floated lower investment there with limited tourist runs.
• Implementation is expected to take at least a decade, track renewals could trigger temporary closures, staff were briefed with no layoffs planned, and talks with Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia continue with another meeting slated for late September.