 With the introduction of ITF 2 in December 2002, the line was extended at both ends to Aachen and to Rheine.Since the Rhein-Sieg-Express (RE 9) often ran late under the new timetable, in June 2003, the RE 7 exchanged its section on the left (west) bank of the Rhine with the RE 9's left bank route and has since then run to Krefeld.This eliminates a level crossing of rail tracks in Cologne and avoids conflicts between the two services.