Overview
- Deutsche Bahn, which reported on Sunday that long‑distance bookings on some days were in the double‑digit percent range above expectations, is adding extra services to Sylt, the Black Forest and the Bodensee and says Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Monday are almost sold out.
- Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder on Saturday warned that chronic delays and repairs risk public trust, called the situation “democracy‑endangering,” set a 70% on‑time goal for 2029 and said Task Force steps such as backup tracks and flexible departures will roll out in the coming months with a review in early 2027.
- Following Friday’s annual results, Deutsche Bahn reported a net loss of about €2.3 billion and said only around 60% of long‑distance trains arrived within six minutes of schedule last year, with CEO Evelyn Palla signaling no short‑term improvement beyond holding that level this year.
- To ease passenger pain during ongoing works, the company has launched three quick‑hit programs to clean and secure stations, upgrade comfort on long‑distance trains and give clearer updates during delays and platform changes.
- Rising diesel prices are now squeezing local bus operators who warn of route cuts without government aid, and the planned renewal of 42 key rail corridors through 2036 means crowded trains and strained local links could persist without fresh support.