Berlin - Germany is famous all over the world about timeliness. However, it does not seem to apply in the riding business. This has been a problem for years.
The German train is not what it used to be. The efficiency and timeliness of Germany, is now questionable. A report published in the weekly news magazine Der Spiegel said that a quarter of the routes of all long-distance trains run by the German company Deutsche Bahn (DB) - failed timely in March 2018.
The company itself argued that the main reason for delayed trains from the schedule was "major scale disruptions in the mainstream" and "winter weather conditions in the north and east" of the country.
Decay of train network
Deutsche Bahn has experienced a series of train schedule delays in recent years. Looking for a major reason for the poor performance of Deutsche Bahn, experts blame the onset of a 33,000 kilometer (20,500 mile) railway network. With old tracks, platforms and bridges, there are 850 construction-related train sites, which need improvement across the country by 2016. The DB now has a long list of infrastructure and repair projects.
Karl-Peter Naumann, spokesperson for the "Pro Bahn" passenger rights association, told DW that Deutsche Bahn disregarded his duties as a service provider: "There are too many construction sites, too few trains and a large number of defects and deficits across the network and its infrastructure The DB should plan for better improvements and anticipate schedule delays, so customers know what to expect from the beginning. "
Should be more investment
While many industry analysts insist there must be more investment. The railway company is trying to patch up the network with a short-term solution, after passing a fairly new financial challenge two years ago.
Achieving timely departures and arrivals is not just a passenger's interest: Bonuses from DB executives depend on it too, because the company's structure considers the timeliness of determining the amount of paid bonuses.
DB Leader Richard Lutz announced the establishment of a punctual assessment center in an effort to improve future performance.