Deutsche Bahn at its lowest point: punctuality remains a drama!

Deutsche Bahn at its lowest point: punctuality remains a drama!

Deutsche Bahn is under pressure: Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU) has sharply criticized the unsatisfactory punctuality in long-distance transport. The minister expressed concern about the current punctuality rate of only 60 to 65 percent and described it as “out of the question”. A target of over 80 or even 90 percent is essential to meet passengers' expectations, reports ZDF.

The situation looks bleak: in September, punctuality in the individual regions only reached disappointing values. Only 50 to 60 percent of long-distance trains were on time, and in the West the ICEs and ICs were even lower at just 55 percent. RP Online reports that the federal government is increasingly frustrated by this development, while punctuality in local transport remains stable at over 90 percent.

Need for renovation and structural problems

The railway's dilapidated infrastructure contributes significantly to the delays. Construction sites and urgent renovations of long-distance transport routes, which could last until 2035, are contributing to a tense situation. Schnieder emphasizes that patience is required here. The renovation of the heavily polluted corridors is scheduled to begin in 2024, but this does not promise any improvement in operations in the next few years.

Loud German railway operational punctuality in long-distance transport is 62 percent, which reflects the merciless reality. Even though a slightly better rate of 64.3 percent was recorded in April 2024, the decline is worrying.

Changes at the top?

Schnieder is also planning significant changes at the top of Deutsche Bahn. It is expected that the replacement of railway boss Richard Lutz could take place in late summer, which is due to the dismal punctuality. This decision is expected to be made in the next two months and criticism of the leadership is growing louder.

The planned future of the railway also includes hiring more employees. Instead of the originally targeted 21,000, 26,000 new employees are to be hired by the end of the year. Schnieder and the railway management hope that this reinforcement will help improve punctuality figures.

Outlook for Christmas travel

The situation also looks problematic for travelers next Christmas. Travel passengers are expected to face delays and even train cancellations, underscoring the difficulties this year.

The situation at Deutsche Bahn is tense and requires comprehensive measures. For rail passengers, we can only hope that the announced investments and personnel changes will soon have an effect and that punctuality will increase again.