Federal Transport Minister Criticizes Train Delays, Sets Ambitious Punctuality Goals

The newly appointed Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder has expressed serious concerns regarding the persistent delays in Germany's long-distance train services. Currently, the punctuality rate for trains stands at approximately 60%, a figure Schnieder deems unacceptable.

In a recent interview, Schnieder stated his dissatisfaction with the existing performance metrics, asserting that a punctuality rate below 80% is not something that can be tolerated. He indicated that achieving a punctuality target of 80 to 90 percent should be the ultimate goal for the railway system.

Beyond punctuality, the Minister highlighted the need for improvements in various other areas, including cleanliness and safety within the railway network. He acknowledged that these factors are crucial for enhancing the overall passenger experience and must be addressed promptly.

Schnieder also mentioned that there is a pressing need to make strategic changes at the helm of the state-owned railway company. Decisions regarding potential leadership changes, particularly concerning the current CEO Richard Lutz, are expected to be made within the next couple of months. He provided a timeframe indicating that these discussions could conclude by the late summer months of July and August.

While stressing the complexity of the railway system, he emphasized that the challenges cannot be resolved overnight and that a thorough understanding of the issues is necessary before implementing significant changes. Schnieder expressed his intention to take the time needed to delve deeper into the operational intricacies of the railway services.

In conclusion, the Federal Minister's commitment to improving the efficiency and reliability of Germany's train services signals a proactive approach to addressing long-standing issues within the transportation sector. As discussions continue, stakeholders will be closely monitoring progress toward the ambitious targets set forth by the Minister.