- Discontented Transport Minister Schnieder expresses displeasure over Deutsche Bahn's financial report
=============================================================================
In a significant stride towards enhancing the reliability of Germany's rail services, Deutsche Bahn (DB) has made notable progress in improving train punctuality. As of February 2025, around 90.2% of passenger trains arrived within a delay of under 6 minutes [1]. This marked improvement, compared to previous years, is largely due to a decrease in starting punctuality and infrastructure-related delays in the first half of 2025 [2].
Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder, along with the CDU, is spearheading a comprehensive structural reform of DB, focusing on three main pillars: improving infrastructure, operations, and profitability.
The infrastructure improvements include modernizing corridors, replacing old interlockings, and reducing restrictive speed sections. Notable progress has been made, with corridor modernizations like Hamburg–Berlin preparing [2].
In terms of operations, the focus is on synchronizing construction work to minimize disruption, implementing hub and line measures, and flexible departure times. Standardized construction periods have been active since 2024, and starting punctuality has significantly improved [2].
For financial consolidation, the transformation of DB Cargo, organizational restructuring, efficiency programs, and personnel reductions are underway. The "Together strong" staff reduction of 10,000 by 2027 is progressing as planned [2].
Despite historical challenges and scandals, such as the "Pofalla maneuver," the current approach emphasizes transparency and real improvements to restore DB's reputation [4]. Passenger numbers remain robust, with around 943 million passengers in H1 2025, demonstrating sustained demand [3].
Minister Schnieder, however, has not committed to a specific time for DB to improve its punctuality. He aims for punctuality values beyond 80% in the medium to long term [5]. The changes in DB will focus on creating a leaner setup.
The supervisory board of DB, which includes several representatives from the transport and finance ministries, is also undergoing a restructuring. The goal is to bring more expertise into the supervisory bodies of DB [6].
It is important to note that the sole owner of DB is the state, and the current chairman of the supervisory board is Werner Gatzer, the former finance state secretary [7].
This comprehensive reform, aimed at improving punctuality, streamlining operations, and strengthening the financial position of DB, is a key commitment in the coalition agreement between the Union and SPD, which promises a "medium-term comprehensive rail reform" [8].
This article was aired on Tagesthemen, a news program on ARD. As the reform continues, it will be interesting to see how DB's punctuality and overall performance evolve.
- The community, particularly those interested in transportation, should take notice of the progress being made in improving the punctuality of passenger trains in Germany, as this is part of a larger, medium-term comprehensive rail reform that emphasizes modernizing infrastructure and streamlining operations.
- As Deutsche Bahn (DB) moves forward with its structural reform, focusing on various aspects such as industry restructuring and financial consolidation, the finance ministry will play a crucial role in bringing more expertise to the supervisory bodies overseeing DB's operations.
- Businesses, politics, and general news outlets should keep a close eye on the progress of new railway construction projects in Germany, as the improvements in rail infrastructure could potentially lead to increased efficiency in transportation, ultimately impacting the overall economy.
