Betriebsstelle

Betriebsstelle is a German term used to denote an operating site or facility where an organization conducts its day-to-day operations. It designates a specific location—such as a station, depot, workshop, yard, or signaling point—where work is organized, managed, or controlled. The term emphasizes the locality where operational activities take place rather than the broader corporate entity.

In railway contexts, a Betriebsstelle is an officially defined location within the railway network that supports traffic management and operations. It may include passenger stations, freight yards, locomotive depots, or electrical signalleringsystems, and it is typically assigned a unique identifier for planning, scheduling, and safety purposes. The management and use of a Betriebsstelle are governed by applicable railway regulations and procedures, including responsibilities for track possession, signaling, and resource allocation.

Beyond transport, the word can appear in broader German usage to refer to a place where work is performed within a company or organization. However, it should not be confused with Betriebsstätte, a term used in tax and commercial law to denote a permanent establishment or business location. While both terms relate to where activities occur, Betriebsstelle focuses on operational sites within regulated systems, whereas Betriebsstätte concerns the legal or fiscal status of a business presence.

In summary, a Betriebsstelle is an officially recognized operating location used to organize and control day-to-day activities, with particular prominence in the railway sector but applicable in other industrial contexts as well.