The German Railway (DB) is currently facing significant challenges in improving the punctuality of its trains. Punctuality rates have declined in recent years, especially due to infrastructure issues and extensive construction work. For instance, in 2024, the punctuality on certain regional express lines, such as RE 7, stood at 74.9 percent, and on the RE 70 line at only 72.7 percent – significantly below target values. According to DB spokespersons, the main cause is the poor condition of the infrastructure, leading to frequent disruptions and prolonged construction work.
New Measures to Improve Punctuality
To improve the situation, the German Railway has decided on various measures:
- Action Plan for Better Punctuality: Specific measures have been consolidated to ensure greater reliability in regular operations. This includes clearer communication with passengers and improved service during construction phases.
- Early and Reliable Construction Planning: The DB is working closely with states like Baden-Württemberg to better coordinate construction sites and align replacement traffic and information chains.
- Modernization of Stations and Networks: Investments in expansion, new construction, and electrification aim to increase capacity and reduce disruptions.
- Digitalization of Control and Safety Technology: Modern technologies should enable more efficient control of the network.
A central forum for these developments is the planned railway summit on July 1, 2025, in Baden-Württemberg, involving Prime Minister Winfried Kretschmann, Transport Minister Winfried Hermann, and DB Chairman Dr. Richard Lutz. The goal is to resolve open questions regarding construction site management and digitalization at the highest level.
Importance for Investors
Such developments are of great importance for investors:
- Efficiency Increase: Improved punctuality means a more efficient use of existing capacities.
- Competitiveness: A more punctual train service makes the offer more attractive compared to other modes of transport, such as cars or long-distance buses.
- Cost Control: Fewer delays also lead to lower costs due to compensation payments to customers.
- Investment Attractiveness: Sustainable investments in infrastructure signal long-term growth potential.
However, it remains to be seen whether these measures will actually have a short-term positive effect on operational figures – especially considering ongoing construction work and infrastructural weaknesses.
Summary
The German Railway is making increased efforts to improve its punctuality: in addition to an action plan for greater reliability, modernization in the network area and closer coordination with politicians are in focus. These steps are important for investors – they indicate that efficiency increases are to be pursued; at the same time, however, the risk remains that infrastructural problems could continue to have a negative impact.