Germany's train service is one of Europe's worst. How did it get so bad?
9 hours ago
- #Deutsche Bahn
- #train delays
- #Germany infrastructure
- Germany's train service, Deutsche Bahn, is among the least punctual in Europe, with only about half of long-distance trains arriving on time.
- Chronic underinvestment and bureaucratic inefficiencies have led to crumbling infrastructure and operational losses.
- Deutsche Bahn faces multiple issues, including poor Wi-Fi, seat reservation mix-ups, missing train cars, and frequent 'technical problems.'
- The German government has announced a €100 billion investment in rail infrastructure to address years of neglect.
- Deutsche Bahn's management is criticized for being top-heavy, with too many managers and not enough operational staff.
- Reports suggest that Deutsche Bahn may have canceled trains to artificially improve punctuality statistics, which the company denies.
- Passengers often endure overcrowded trains and long delays without significant complaints, contrasting with reactions in other countries like France.
- Deutsche Bahn has launched a mockumentary series to humorously address passenger frustrations, though onboard Wi-Fi issues prevent streaming.
- The new CEO, Evelyn Palla, plans to streamline Deutsche Bahn by cutting executive positions but warns that fixing the system will take time.
- The poor state of Germany's trains is seen by some as symbolic of broader state dysfunction.