Train reliability markedly decreased in July. - Train punctuality markedly worsens in July
In July 2021, Deutsche Bahn (DB) experienced a significant drop in long-distance train punctuality, with only 56.1 percent of trains arriving on time. This poor performance was a far cry from the operational punctuality target of between 65 and 70 percent set by outgoing CEO Richard Lutz, a goal that has not been met [1][3][4].
The main culprits behind the low punctuality rate were persistent infrastructure problems that made the network susceptible to disruptions and a backlog in modernization work, particularly on heavily trafficked lines and hubs [3][4]. Delays in major renovations until at least 2036 also hampered long-term stability and punctuality improvements [4].
Infrastructure prone to disruption, a backlog in modernization, and operational disruptions compounded by management challenges within DB were the primary reasons for the deterioration in long-distance train punctuality [1][3][4]. The dismissal of DB's CEO in August 2021 reflected the political urgency and dissatisfaction caused by poor punctuality, network disrepair, and financial deficits [4].
Breakdowns are not factored into operational punctuality, but they do impact passenger punctuality. In July 2021, only 59.4% of passengers arrived at their destination on time according to passenger punctuality [2].
Several reasons contributed to the high delay rate for long-distance trains in July 2021. These included many ongoing construction sites, embankment fires caused by the heatwave at the beginning of July, an arson attack on the infrastructure at the end of the month, restrictions in train traffic on the Duisburg-Düsseldorf route, and a software update by a supplier in the Cologne/Rhine-Main area that necessitated speed reductions for several days [5].
It's worth noting that in the previous year's July, over 67% of passengers arrived at their destination on time according to passenger punctuality [2]. The punctuality rate in July 2021 was nearly six percentage points lower than in July of the previous year [6].
The spokesperson for Deutsche Bahn expressed dissatisfaction with the low operational punctuality rate in July 2021 [7]. The state-owned company reported these figures for long-distance train punctuality in July 2021 [8].
[1] Deutsche Bahn struggles with low punctuality rates in July 2021 [2] Only 59.4% of passengers arrived at their destination on time in July 2021 [3] Infrastructure prone to disruption [4] Delays in major renovations [5] Several reasons contributed to the high delay rate for long-distance trains in July 2021 [6] Punctuality rate in July 2021 was nearly six percentage points lower than in July of the previous year [7] The spokesperson for Deutsche Bahn expressed dissatisfaction with the low operational punctuality rate in July 2021 [8] The state-owned company reported these figures for long-distance train punctuality in July 2021
- Efforts to improve Deutsche Bahn's (DB) operational punctuality, such as vocational training for employees, could potentially reduce disruptions on the network and thereby increase the number of trains arriving on time.
- As Deutsche Bahn faces financial deficits due to poor punctuality and network disrepair, it may be prudent for the community to establish policies that encourage industry partnerships, providing financial assistance for modernization projects, and promoting the use of public-transit and alternative modes of transportation, such as automotive electric vehicles, to alleviate the strain on the current system.
- To address transportation challenges in heavily trafficked areas,DB could consider vocational training programs for engineers specialized in infrastructure maintenance and automotive engineering to develop sustainable solutions that improve long-term stability, punctuality, and safety for passengers using public-transit.
