Svendborg Line (Svendborgbanen)Svendborg Line (Svendborgbanen)The Svendborg Line or in Danish: Svendborgbanen, is the railway line between Odense and Svendborg, inaugurated on 12 July 1876. The line was established by Sydfyenske Jernbaner, and taken over by DSB on 1 April 1949. Since 13 December 2020, the line has been managed by Arriva, a private multinational company. During the daytime, two trains each hour drive the stretch between Odense and Svendborg in both directions that do not stop at all stations (only one train in the evening hours). Additionally, a train drives between Odense and Ringe once an hour, during day and evening hours, in both directions that stop at all stations. Svendborg Line Stations (current and former) Station Location Distance from Distance from Notes Odense (km) Svendborg (km)
The line was renovated several times from 2003 to 2009. From 12 May 2003 to 9 June 2003, the technical facilities were expanded, tracks and ties were replaced and individual crossings were eliminated. Some stations had their platforms extended or changed. In Odense, a track (now called track 8) was added north of track 7, between the platform belonging to track 7 and the bus station parking lot. During this period, the trains were replaced by train buses. From 11 August to 7 September 2003 25 km of tracks and 20,000 new ties were placed, and 15,000 sqm of rubble was cleaned between Stenstrup and Årslev. During this period, the trains were replaced by train buses. As part of this renovation, the station buildings in Hjallese, Højby, Pederstrup, Rudme and Stenstrup were demolished, and the areas modernized. In January 2004, fares were free between Odense and Svendborg to compensate for the many cancellations and delays in 2003. DSB rented twelve Desiro train sets to replace the MR-MRD train sets that had driven on the line since 1980. This allowed a speed increase from 100 to 120 km/h, and the introduction of a half-hour schedule in both directions between Odense and Svendborg, and a one-hour schedule in both directions between Odense and Ringe. In 2005, additional renovations were carried out, among other things, the signals were repaired or replaced, and the tracks polished or replaced. During the preparations for the renovation of tracks and a crossing at Svendborg Station, in May 2007, additional remains of an already-known medieval Catholic monastery was found under the tracks, for which reason the passengers were transported by train bus between Svendborg Station and Svendborg West during the first month. After this, the train drove to a temporary platform close to Svendborg Station until the completion of the archeological surveys and the reestablishment of the line on 28 January 2008. From 30 May to 9 August 2009, the two remaining stretches were renovated, Svendborg–Stenstrup and Årslev–Odense, a total of 27 km. The ties were replaced, and the tracks replaced. Furthermore, thirteen bridges on the entire stretch were maintained, in addition to a conversion of nine crossings and the replacement of two railroad switches. During the renovation, the line was closed between Svendborg and Ringe until school summer holidays, and completely closed during the holidays. On the closed-down stretches, the passengers were transported by train buses. Svendborg Line Operational Irregularities For several years, delays and cancellations have been frequent on the Svendborg line. There have been reports of faints and anxiety attacks because of overfilled trains. During the interval January–October 2006, the average proportion of customers that reached their destinations less than 3 minutes delayed was 86.9%. Svendborg Line Overview Svendborg Line Native Name: Svendborgbanen Svendborg Line Termini: Odense station Svendborg station Svendborg Line Operator(s): DSB Svendborg Line Rolling Stock: Class MQ (Desiro) Svendborg Line Opened: 12 July 1876, 148 years ago Svendborg Line Line Length: 48.2 km Svendborg Line Number of Tracks: Single Svendborg Line Track Gauge: 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) Svendborg Line Electrification: None Svendborg Line Operating Speed: 120 km/h Svendborg Line Coordinates: 55.2390°N 10.4817°E | |||||
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