Punctuality is currently not one of Deutsche Bahn’s strengths. In August, many long-distance trains were again delayed. There is no short-term improvement in sight.
Deutsche Bahn’s long-distance trains were again a little less punctual in August than in the previous month. Only 60.6 percent of all ICE and IC trains arrived at their destination without major delays, Deutsche Bahn announced. In July, the figure was 62 percent. “Numerous infrastructural disruptions and construction sites continue to slow down ICE and IC trains,” it said.
Delays in long-distance traffic are included in the statistics if they are six minutes or more late. In addition to this operational punctuality, the railway also measures what is known as passenger punctuality. This shows what percentage of passengers arrived at their destination on schedule during the corresponding period. Train cancellations are also included. However, delays of 15 minutes or more are only recorded here.
In August, 64 percent of all travelers arrived on time. That was 3.2 percentage points less than in the previous month.
The most unpunctual month was June
The most unpunctual month this year was June. Almost every second long-distance train was delayed and almost as many passengers. The reason for this was several extreme weather events that slowed down rail traffic.
However, the railway has been struggling with a high level of unreliability for years. This is mainly due to the rail network, which is in need of renovation and where many construction sites are leading to diversions, interruptions and delays.
The railway plans to gradually renovate heavily used traffic corridors over the coming years. This should gradually improve the situation in long-distance traffic. However, a short-term improvement in punctuality is not to be expected.
Source: Stern
