DB Allegedly Manipulates Punctuality Data, Claims GDL Chief Rösicke - DB Allegedly Exaggerating Punctuality Figures, Claims GDL Head Reiß
In a series of recent events, the German Railway Company (DB) has found itself under scrutiny for alleged manipulation of punctuality statistics. The accusations, made by the German Association of Locomotive Drivers (GDL) and reported by various media outlets, claim that DB has been deliberately cancelling trains to improve its on-time figures.
The internal platform "BetriebLive" serves as a daily networking hub for thousands of dispatchers from all railway companies. However, an internal employee within DB reported a practice of systematically manipulating punctuality statistics by deliberately cancelling delayed trains, a move that left passengers stranded mid-route and distorted the actual punctuality data.
DB has vehemently denied the claims made by the GDL and the media, stating that train cancellations are factored into passenger punctuality statistics. They attribute the poor values to faulty infrastructure and a high number of additional construction sites.
In August 2021, DB managed to improve its passenger punctuality, with 66.7% of long-distance passengers reaching their destination on time (less than 15 minutes delay). This was an improvement from the 64.0% recorded in August 2021 and the 59.4% in July 2025.
The GDL, however, views these improvements as short-term measures taken by the railway to give the impression that the situation is under control. GDL boss Reiß stated that the management is trying to "distract from the real causes with number tricks and empty runs." He further explained that each delay triggers further delays, creating a "vicious cycle," and that for passengers, this means missed connections, long waiting times, and growing mistrust.
The Spiegel has not reported on the August punctuality improvements by DB, but they did report two cases where trains were taken out of service "to improve statistics." DB, however, clarified that exchange on the internal platform "BetriebLive" takes place in chat format, not statistics recording.
The GDL has not made any recent statements regarding the August punctuality improvements by DB, and no new statements have been made by GDL boss Reiß on this matter. The railway has also responded to the claims, stating that a formulation chosen by an employee in one of the cases was incorrect and that they have already contacted him.
As the investigation continues, passengers are left to grapple with the potential implications of these allegations, hoping for a swift resolution and a return to reliable service.
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