Climate change adaptation strategies - Meridian - Founding Project
bifa and the University of Munich developed a catalogue of measures for the Bayerische Oberlandbahn.
More hot days with temperatures above 30 degrees, milder winters with an average temperature increase of 3 to 4 degrees and the increase in extreme weather events also pose challenges for railways. Climate change is in full swing, but its effects can be mitigated by taking appropriate measures.
In order to scientifically identify such measures, Bayerische Oberlandbahn GmbH (BOB), which operates the Meridian, bifa and the University of Munich joined forces. This cooperation was funded by the Federal Ministry for the Environment. The following questions were answered in expert interviews, passenger and employee surveys and workshops: What are the climate trends in the Meridian area? What are the implications of climate trends for passengers, staff and Meridian trains? In which areas should the Meridian take action?
The results were presented on the Wendelstein on 4 July 2017. The brochure "Climate Change - Adaptation Strategies for the Meridian" was also produced for this purpose. It contains fifty-three concrete measures with which the BOB can counter climate change. Among them are those that are solely within BOB's sphere of influence, but also those that would require the cooperation of several actors in local rail passenger transport.
Some of the measures in BOB's area of responsibility have already been addressed: For example, employees have been better trained in dealing with extreme weather events in order to further optimise communication with passengers in these cases. BOB is also working on a computer information system that provides passengers with up-to-date information on weather conditions and informs them about alternative routes if necessary.