Overview

• Der Spiegel cites internal notes and chats that describe late long‑distance trains being ended early so they do not count in DB’s operational punctuality, including ICE 616 on September 16 with the message: “Zug fällt zur Verbesserung der Statistik ab Köln aus.”
• DB confirms the internal messages existed and says the employee’s phrasing was wrong, denies any beautifying of statistics, and argues such decisions can stabilize traffic when viable alternatives for passengers exist.
• The union GDL backs the accounts, calling the practice an open secret and criticizing “Zahlentricks und Leerfahrten,” saying crews routinely face the resulting passenger frustration.
• Reports describe some trains continuing as empty transfers after passengers are made to disembark, including a run from Cologne to Hamburg to position the set for later service.
• Context data show 62.5% long‑distance punctuality in 2024 excluding cancellations, 59.6% operational punctuality for August 2025, and 66.7% passenger punctuality, as transport advocates urge a review of metrics and bonus incentives.