Deutsche Bahn Ranks Low in European Rail Study, Highlighting Key Challenges

A new report places Deutsche Bahn in the lower half of European rail operators, citing high ticket prices and poor punctuality but recognizing strengths in booking systems and travel quality.

• The Deutsche Bahn ranked 16th out of 27 European rail operators in a study by Transport & Environment, with Italy's Trenitalia and Switzerland's SBB leading the list.
• The study highlighted Deutsche Bahn's poor punctuality, with only 62.9% of long-distance trains arriving on time in October 2024, placing it near the bottom for reliability.
• High ticket prices were a major factor in the low ranking, with Flixtrain offering fares up to four times cheaper than Deutsche Bahn on comparable routes.
• Despite the criticisms, Deutsche Bahn excelled in booking experience, scoring 9.6 out of 10, and performed well in travel quality metrics like onboard amenities and comfort.
• The report called for greater investment in rail infrastructure, lower ticket prices, and improved cross-border ticketing systems to make rail travel a more competitive and sustainable alternative to flying.

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