Faulty train station elevators leave passengers stranded and force long detours

Faulty elevators at Danish train stations continue to cause major disruptions for passengers, despite promises of improvements from rail operator DSB, DR reports.

Sixteen elevators are currently out of service across the country, according to DSB’s website, with recurring breakdowns forcing some passengers—particularly the elderly, disabled, and those with strollers or heavy luggage—to take lengthy detours. Jerry Jensen, who relies on an electric wheelchair, told DR he has had to travel up to eight kilometres out of his way when elevators at four separate stations failed.

“It’s completely unreasonable to ask people with mobility issues to find alternative routes when the technology fails,” said Marlene Rishøj Cordes, a political advisor on housing and transport for the advocacy group Ældresagen. For many, she noted, stairs and escalators are not an option.

Thorkild Olesen, chair of Danske Handicaporganisationer, warned that persistent elevator failures risk isolating disabled passengers from public transport. “It can mean missing education or work, and eventually, people may just stay home because travel becomes too cumbersome,” he said.

DSB acknowledged the issue, attributing the disruptions to an ongoing modernisation programme intended to improve long-term reliability. “We’re highly focused on making this as smooth as possible for all customers, whether they’re elderly, disabled, or travelling with strollers,” said Lars Gøtke, DSB’s operations director. The company expects to resolve the problems “over the coming years”—a timeline Olesen called unacceptable.

Banedanmark, which owns the stations and elevators, declined to comment on the criticism. Six escalators are also currently non-functional.

Stations with out-of-service elevators

Allerød (platforms 1, 2–3)
Birkerød (Læssevej-Sti)
Børkop (platforms 2–3)
Danshøj (platform 12)
Gentofte (platform 2)
Holbæk (platform 1)
Kokkedal (platform 1)
København Syd (platform 21 toward Køge; bus parking platform 2 toward Køge)
Næstved (platforms 4–5)
Tinglev (platform 1)
Valby (platforms 3–4)
Viby J. (platform 4/Perron D)
Århus (platforms 2–3; platform 3–4 Baggage)