Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU) is increasing the pressure on Deutsche Bahn CEO Evelyn Palla over the railway’s unacceptable punctuality. Speaking to the “Handelsblatt”, Schnieder expressed hope that the railway will reach its optimal level in passenger transport this year. As of April, punctuality in long-distance transport stood at 64 percent, but Schnieder suggested that maintaining 60 percent would be an achievement for the full year. He stressed that the network must become more reliable and punctual through every structural measure and operational change, emphasizing that it is not a mere matter of flipping a switch. Furthermore, the minister voiced his support for a European Commission initiative compelling Deutsche Bahn to open its ticket platform, DB Navigator, to other service providers. He noted that his agenda for customer satisfaction explicitly calls for the DB Navigator to be utilized in the public interest, indicating a convergence between EU objectives and government policy. Since this is meant to become the standard across the EU, no entity, including Deutsche Bahn, can avoid it. Schnieder also welcomed the intention of the Italian railway company Italo to enter the German market. The CDU politician stated that competition revitalizes the business and sends a signal of confidence in Germany’s rail system. However, he acknowledged that legal frameworks are currently hindering this progress, noting that while framework agreements are possible, they are not mandatory, and substantial changes would need to stem from the EU level, which is slated to occur in 2031.
Politics
