Lörrach races to improve transport links before new hospital opens

The transport links to the new Dreiländereck Hospital are once again at the center of political debate in Lörrach district. The local council groups of the SPD, Greens, and CDU have submitted a joint motion to the district council calling for improved accessibility ahead of the hospital's planned opening.

The goal is to significantly enhance transport connections by the time the facility opens. Specifically, the motion proposes examining how additional regional bus routes could better serve the hospital. A pilot project involving autonomous vehicles—such as a shuttle service from Steinen station—has also been suggested.

The push comes as plans for a dedicated S-Bahn stop at the hospital are not expected to be realized until 2035, later than initially anticipated. According to the motion, earlier projections had assumed the stop could be built sooner. However, the rail operator has since revised its assessment, stating that a two-track expansion of the Wiesental line is now a prerequisite.

In addition to bus connections, the motion calls for an assessment of whether an hourly stop for the S6 line at the hospital could be introduced, at least on an interim basis. The findings are to be presented to the district council before the summer recess.

A connection via Lörrach's municipal bus line 6 is already scheduled to begin in December 2026. Nevertheless, the political groups argue that further action is needed to ensure better access for staff, patients, and visitors.

The motion urges the district to take an active role both as the hospital's operator and as a stakeholder in the Regio Verkehrsverbund (RVF) regional transport association.