German Rail System Under Fire for Severe Delays

Ministers Demand Action on Failing Train Punctuality

A growing number of German federal and state officials are voicing alarm over the worsening performance of the country’s rail network, particularly the long-distance services operated by Deutsche Bahn (DB). Following a year of mounting delays, infrastructure setbacks, and public frustration, both federal and regional governments are now pushing for rapid and tangible improvements.

Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU) described the current punctuality rates of 60 to 65 percent in long-distance travel as “unacceptable” and made clear that this level of service could not continue. In an interview, Schnieder stated that targets above 80 percent must become the new minimum standard. He emphasized that the issues extend beyond punctuality, pointing also to cleanliness and safety as major areas for improvement.

State-Level Pressure and Failing Regional Services

Echoing federal criticism, Grant Hendrik Tonne, the transport minister of Lower Saxony, sharply criticized the state of regional and long-distance rail services. He described the recent punctuality statistics as “maximum poor values” and demanded that existing infrastructure be used more efficiently instead of relying on far-off expansion plans. Tonne called for immediate investments to increase capacity, particularly on the overburdened routes between Hannover and Hamburg, as well as Rotenburg and Verden. These upgrades, he argued, are essential to restore reliability and to make rail travel attractive again.

Tonne rejected the explanation often cited by Deutsche Bahn—that outdated infrastructure and limited rail capacity are to blame—insisting that those conditions are not sufficient justification for continued poor service. According to him, planning must reflect the current realities of the network, and capacity bottlenecks must be addressed as a matter of urgency.

Infrastructure Projects Bring Short-Term Pain

The criticism comes as the rail system undergoes a multibillion-euro renovation program targeting 40 so-called “high-performance corridors.” The initiative is intended to modernize core rail routes, but the process itself is creating further disruptions. The Riedbahn route to Frankfurt, for example, has already been a major source of delays due to extensive repair works.

Minister Schnieder acknowledged that this investment phase would continue to strain the system in the short term, but insisted that the long-term goal was a far more reliable and modern rail network. However, with the entire overhaul now projected to continue until 2035—four years longer than initially expected—concerns are growing over the resilience of the current system during this extended construction period.

Weekend Disruptions Highlight Ongoing Issues

While long-term planning continues, rail users face frequent and unpredictable service disruptions. Over the weekend, a major power outage affected the Berlin S-Bahn network between Gesundbrunnen and Nordbahnhof. Several lines, including the S1, S2, and S25, were either delayed or fully suspended. At one point, the service in the affected zone was entirely shut down.

Technicians worked urgently to restore power, and passengers were advised to switch to alternate transport services operated by the BVG. No timeline was given for the full restoration of normal service, leaving commuters without clear options for much of the day.

Deutsche Bahn Faces Leadership Questions

As performance continues to decline, speculation is growing over the future of Deutsche Bahn’s leadership. Transport Minister Schnieder hinted that personnel decisions may be made during the summer months, specifically naming July and August as the timeframe for a possible change at the top. Current CEO Richard Lutz has come under scrutiny, but no official decision has been announced yet.

Schnieder made clear that reforming the system is a complex task that will not be resolved quickly. He stressed the need to fully understand the intricacies of DB’s structure before making sweeping changes. Nonetheless, the possibility of leadership replacement looms large as pressure mounts to demonstrate accountability.

No Immediate Plans for Highway Tolls

In parallel with the focus on rail, Minister Schnieder ruled out introducing a new toll system for private cars on German highways—at least for now. While acknowledging that the topic remains politically sensitive, he stated that the government currently has sufficient financial resources through special funds and does not plan to pursue a toll scheme in the near term.

Public Confidence Continues to Erode

The latest round of criticism adds to a growing list of concerns surrounding Germany’s national railway. Despite record-level investment pledges, commuters face routine delays, overcrowded trains, and poor service standards. With infrastructure projects set to last another decade, the success of Germany’s rail overhaul depends heavily on interim solutions, real-time improvements, and decisive management.

Whether federal and state demands will translate into actual changes in daily operations remains to be seen. But with political scrutiny increasing and public patience wearing thin, Deutsche Bahn and its leadership are now under sustained pressure to reverse the trend of decline.