The environmentalist Green Party is intensifying pressure on Deutsche Bahn (DB), Germany’s national railway company, demanding a significant overhaul of its passenger service offerings. Citing persistent issues with connectivity and catering, the party’s parliamentary group is questioning the viability of DB’s current operational model and calling for clearer accountability from the federal government.
Mathias Gastel, the Green Party’s railway expert, told the “Rheinische Post” that the continued inadequacy of DB’s Wi-Fi network remains a critical failing. “The Deutsche Bahn’s WLAN is and remains a source of frustration” he stated, highlighting the growing expectation among travelers – particularly on InterCity Express (ICE) routes – to have seamless digital access and reliable connectivity for both work and information. Gastel emphasized the necessity of enabling passengers to fully utilize digital tools during lengthy journeys.
Beyond connectivity, the Green Party is also targeting DB’s catering services. “Significant improvements are needed in the gastronomy sector” Gastel asserted. “Passengers traveling for hours rely on consistent and dependable food and beverage options.
The criticism comes against a backdrop of recent government policy. Berlin has reportedly rejected demands from several state governments to introduce compensation schemes for passengers impacted by failed Wi-Fi or closed onboard restaurants. The government’s stance, communicated in a statement, frames any such improvements as a “voluntary” undertaking by DB.
However, Gastel expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of fines or penalties to drive actual change. He argues that a more effective approach involves establishing precise performance targets from the federal government, which acts as DB’s owner. “It’s more helpful if the owner – the federal government – sets clear objectives. The management then needs to be held accountable for meeting those benchmarks”. This suggests a fundamental reassessment of DB’s management structure and a greater willingness by the government to actively oversee its operations, rather than relying on voluntary commitments. The debate highlights a growing tension between DB’s desire for perceived operational freedom and the passengers’ demand for a reliable and modern railway experience, potentially forcing a politically charged reckoning for the company and its government overseers.
