Deutsche Bahn will not reach its punctuality target in 2022 either. That said CEO Richard Lutz on Monday. So far this year, just over 70 percent of long-distance trains have been on time. You don’t have to be a prophet to see that the targeted 80 percent for the year as a whole will not be achieved. The train will be “significantly” lower, said Lutz. “That’s not nice, it’s anything but pleasant.” According to Deutsche Bahn’s definition, trains are considered punctual if they arrive less than six minutes after the timetable. Last year, 75 percent of the ICE, Intercity and Eurocity trains were on time.
Deutsche Bahn sees itself overwhelmed by the rapid increase in passenger and freight numbers and is preparing its customers for delays and cancellations. The rising demand meets a backlog in the necessary investments in the network, Deutsche Bahn boss Richard Lutz warned in Berlin on Monday. “We have a dilemma that can hardly be resolved in the short term: to grow and modernize at the same time.”
The operating situation is critical, the delays are increasing. “Never before have there been as many construction sites on the German route network as there are today.” However, the need for modernization will continue to increase in the coming years. “A fundamental, radical change of direction is needed. Carrying on like this is definitely not an alternative.”
The passengers and freight would come back faster than expected after the Corona lull. This applies to an outdated infrastructure that cannot really be renovated with the current construction site management and the necessary expansion of capacity cannot be achieved. Because of the funds for the network recently increased significantly by the federal government, money is not the problem.
