The leader of the Free Democratic Party (FDP), Christian Dürr, has voiced strong criticism of the reform proposals for Deutsche Bahn, recently presented by Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU) and has called for the complete restructuring of the national rail operator.
Speaking to publications within the Funke-Mediengruppe, Dürr argued that a genuine separation of infrastructure management and operations is essential to foster real competition within the rail sector, leading to improved services and quality for passengers. He expressed skepticism about Minister Schnieder’s newly unveiled “Agenda for Satisfied Customers” suggesting it risks becoming an expensive endeavor for taxpayers without more substantial structural changes.
Dürr emphasized that superficial adjustments are insufficient, pointing to a history of incomplete rail reforms. He warned that without a significant and profound restructuring, Deutsche Bahn will continue to be a substantial financial burden, absorbing billions of public funds.
The Transport Minister presented his strategy for the Deutsche Bahn earlier this week, alongside the introduction of Evelyn Palla as the designated new CEO of the rail company. The proposed reforms and appointment have now sparked debate regarding the fundamental direction of the national transport infrastructure.
