Overview
- Deutsche Bahn confirmed that Peter Buchner died on Tuesday at age 58 following cancer, prompting tributes from across the rail community.
- Buchner led the Berlin S‑Bahn since 2009 and was widely regarded for steering the system out of crisis and rebuilding passenger trust.
- He was known for deep technical expertise and direct communication with riders, commuting daily by train and eschewing a company car.
- DB regional chief Harmen van Zijderveld praised him as a farsighted manager and said his loss leaves a gap that cannot be described.
- Deutsche Bahn said production chief Karsten Preißel will serve as acting head of S‑Bahn Berlin while formal succession plans proceed.