Overview

• Deutsche Bahn recorded roughly 64 percent punctuality in its long-distance services during the first half of 2025, below its 65–70 percent target.
• Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder labeled the current reliability “indiskutabel” and plans to decide on changes at the company’s top management by July–August.
• The railway attributes about 80 percent of delays to ageing, overloaded infrastructure and the impact of unplanned track works.
• Despite a newly established €107 billion infrastructure fund, CEO Richard Lutz warns of an estimated €17 billion financing shortfall through 2029.
• Recent tariff reforms, notably the abolition of discounted family reservations, have drawn criticism even as Deutsche Bahn defends the move on economic grounds and misuse concerns.