A significant majority of German rail workers have expressed deep concerns regarding the reliability of Deutsche Bahn’s (DB) reporting systems for potential hazards and operational disruptions, according to a recent survey by the GDL, the German locomotive drivers’ union. The poll, revealed by Süddeutsche Zeitung, paints a critical picture of a system plagued by opacity and a profound lack of feedback, raising serious questions about DB’s commitment to safety and the efficacy of oversight mechanisms.
The survey results are stark: 19% of GDL members deemed the reporting systems “completely unreliable” while 34% consider them “rather unreliable”. A further 28% indicated a mixed perception. This widespread distrust comes in the wake of an internal investigation by Gleiss Lutz following the 2022 train accident in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, which also scrutinized the reporting infrastructure. The issue remains a key element in the ongoing legal proceedings at Munich’s District Court II.
The primary driver of this lack of confidence, according to GDL, is a consistent absence of transparency. A staggering 80% of surveyed rail workers report receiving “never” or “rarely” feedback on their submitted reports, leaving them unaware whether concerns were addressed, equipment repaired, or speed restrictions implemented. GDL Chairman Mario Reiß delivered a pointed critique stating, “Ignoring the anxieties and observations of rail workers risks making decisions detached from reality”. He added that reliable communication chains are fundamental to fostering trust and a strong safety culture, a sentiment echoed earlier this year when DB Infrago CEO Philipp Nagl declared such a culture must be “a top priority.
The GDL is now demanding that Deutsche Bahn and political decision-makers demonstrate a serious commitment to acknowledging and responding to the concerns of rail workers. However, this presents a significant hurdle: access to the crucial Gleiss Lutz investigation report, a 340-page document available since September 1st, remains restricted. Notably, the Eisenbahn-Bundesamt (EBA), Germany’s central railway safety authority, is yet to fully review it. While DB Infrago AG has reportedly promised access to the report for the EBA, obtaining it has become a protracted process, with the EBA claiming to have requested it five weeks ago. The Federal Ministry of Transport’s own familiarity with the full report is similarly uncertain, with the ministry failing to respond to inquiries regarding its content. This lack of transparency within the regulatory framework itself is sparking calls for immediate intervention and raises concerns regarding the effectiveness of oversight and accountability within the German rail system.
