Overview

• Der Spiegel cites internal DB chats and memos, including the message “Zug fällt zur Verbesserung der Statistik ab Köln aus,” alleging deliberate early terminations of delayed long‑distance services.
• Two recent cases are highlighted, including ICE 616 on September 16 ending in Cologne despite an official note of a staffing issue and a similar incident near Cologne on September 11.
• DB confirms the authenticity of the chat messages but rejects the allegation of data manipulation, calling the wording wrong and saying early terminations can be operationally justified when alternatives exist.
• GDL chief Mario Reiß backs employees’ accounts, describing the practice as widely known and criticizing perceived number tricks and empty repositioning runs.
• Reports note that DB’s headline punctuality excludes cancellations under a six‑minute threshold, whereas monthly traveler punctuality includes them, with DB citing a 66.7% traveler punctuality in August.