June the 16th, 2023 – The much talked about Istrian low-floor train is now back in service following repeated technical difficulties.
As Poslovni Dnevnik writes, after replacing the monoblock wheels, the low-floor diesel-electric motor train has been put back into function. Because of technical difficulties, it has not been in operation since mid-May, when it was taken to a service centre in Zagreb because there was no possibility to change monoblock wheels in Pula, reports local portal Glas Istre/The Voice of Istria.
Repeated technical issues
This was the second time that this modern train ended up at the service centre since it was ceremonially put into service on March the 6th in Pula. The Istrian low-floor train otherwise operates along the regional Pula – Buzet – Pula line, and the most numerous passengers are school children.
Is the railway line or the train to blame?
Of course, the blame game has been being played for some time now given the fact that the Istrian low-floor train keeps on breaking down and having technical issues. HŽ Putnički promet/Passenger transport recently asserted that the increased wear of the wheels of all trains running along the Istrian railways is due to the poor condition of the rails themselves. HŽ Infrastruktura/Infrastructure, on the other hand, of course claims the opposite.
Croatian trains leave a lot to be desired…
If you’ve ever attempted to travel by train in Croatia, you’ll know that there’s a lot that could be done in this regard to improve the situation for all. Frequent breakdowns, a lack of investment and quite frankly a lack of passengers are all pressing issues. With numerous domestic and foreign bus services operating in the country, cheaper and quicker travel is always available for both residents and tourist alike. With the most frequent passengers of this and other trains being school kids, sustainability comes into question when the school year ends.
