Germany’s new Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder has publicly challenged the leadership of Deutsche Bahn, the country’s national railway, demanding significant improvements in punctuality and overall service standards. In an interview, Schnieder expressed dissatisfaction with current on-time performance in long-distance travel, which currently hovers around 60 percent.
“I would be very pleased if we could achieve a punctuality rate beyond 80 or 90 percent” Schnieder stated, adding that the current figures are “indisputable” and “cannot be accepted”. He emphasized that improvements are needed not only in punctuality but also in areas like cleanliness and safety, outlining a broader demand for enhanced service quality just 50 days into his tenure.
The Minister indicated that decisions regarding personnel changes at the state-owned railway, including the potential replacement of current CEO Richard Lutz, are expected within the next two months. He suggested a timeline of July and August for any changes, acknowledging the complexity of the undertaking. “The system is so complex, the challenge so great, that you cannot simply address it with the stroke of a pen” Schnieder explained, stating his intention to conduct a thorough review before making any firm decisions.
On infrastructure funding, Schnieder ruled out the reintroduction of a car toll on German highways, citing substantial investment already allocated through a dedicated fund. While stopping short of a definitive, perpetual rejection of the idea, he clarified that a car toll is “not currently on the agenda”. The Minister appears to be prioritizing significant investment in existing infrastructure rather than implementing new user fees.
