Overview
- Deutsche Bahn confirmed that only 51.5% of ICE and IC trains arrived on time in October, the worst monthly result recorded.
- September’s long-distance punctuality had already dropped to 55.3%, underscoring a steep deterioration heading into October.
- Reported causes include widespread construction tied to infrastructure deficits, along with technical faults in overhead lines and switches and weather disruptions.
- DB counts trains up to 5 minutes 59 seconds late as on time, and cancellations do not figure into this punctuality metric.
- Commentary portrays the result as an early warning for the new DB chief and evidence of organizational shortcomings, with passengers experiencing coin-flip reliability.