Following a nationwide operational failure within the railway system caused by a malfunction in the digital radio network, the passenger association Pro Bahn is demanding that the corporation take conclusive action. Detlef Neuß, Honorary Chairman of Pro Bahn, told the “Rheinische Post” that the railway must finally improve, particularly concerning its technology.
Neuß stressed the need for higher fault tolerance in train communications, noting that this was the second such incident. He stated that it is unacceptable for a massive disruption to be potentially triggered by a simple software update, insisting that such stability should be standard practice.
In addition to the technical demands, Neuß called for more service mobile phones for train drivers, pointing out that they are currently lacking. He also stated that the condition of the entire railway system is “disastrous,” and insists that this issue must be raised at the upcoming supervisory board meeting. Addressing CEO Evelyn Palla, Neuß conceded, “If someone inherits a scrap pile, they are not to blame for the scrap pile.”
Government spokesperson Christoph Ploß (CDU), the Federal Tourism Officer, also demanded consequences be implemented. Speaking to the “Rheinische Post,” he warned that a disruption of this scale during the upcoming summer holidays would be a severe blow to both travelers and German tourism. Ploß called on the railway to immediately ascertain the cause of the massive failure and ensure that such a fiasco does not happen again.
