Overview
- The new structure starting January 1 reduces the management board to six portfolios, dissolves Technology/Digital and Infrastructure, and cuts first-level units from 43 to 22 after scrapping an intermediate layer.
- Operational responsibility shifts to regional managers under a central quality hub reporting to Palla, with smaller boards at DB Regio and DB Fernverkehr and a bundled build–operations remit at DB Infrago.
- DB will spend more than €140 million in 2026 on immediate customer improvements, including mobile cleaning teams, stronger station security and video surveillance, better passenger information, and reliable onboard catering and toilets.
- Palla set a long-distance punctuality target of at least 60% for 2026 and reiterated the 70% goal by the end of 2029, citing continued network work and capacity constraints.
- Palla plans to trim at least 30% of roughly 3,500 central holding roles, as the EVG union expresses cautious support for faster decisions but warns against pure headcount-driven cuts.