The Taskforce for a “reliable rail” presented a report on Friday that outlines 22 measures aimed at improving punctuality and reliability across the rail network. The Federal Ministry of Transport announced the initiative.
Planned implementation targets the years 2026 and 2027. Among the proposals is the introduction of so‑called “joker tracks” which would allow more flexible use of platform tracks in heavily congested stations. By selectively keeping certain platform lines free depending on local conditions, bottlenecks can be mitigated. The report also suggests “flex departures” to give passengers more reliable departure times, and the deployment of passenger guides on the tracks to speed up boarding and alighting. Additionally, an AI‑based dispatch assistance system is to be introduced to detect potential conflicts and congestion early.
The Taskforce’s work involved representatives from the federal government, the Länder, the Federal Railway Authority, the Federal Network Agency, train operators, task carriers, industry associations, trade unions, and DB Infra. Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU) described the measures as a key milestone of the “happy customers on the rails” agenda, emphasizing that decisive implementation is essential for passengers to feel the improvements as quickly as possible.
