Swiss expertise is essential for managing the railway system.
In the heart of Europe, Deutsche Bahn (DB), Germany's national railway company, is navigating a challenging phase. Despite a slight improvement in customer satisfaction and operational progress, the railway service continues to grapple with infrastructure delays, service reliability issues, and dissatisfied passengers.
Customer Satisfaction: A Mixed Picture
Customer satisfaction at DB long-distance has shown a modest improvement, climbing from 2.7 out of 5 in 2024 to 2.5 in early 2025. Passenger numbers have also reached record levels, growing over 5% compared to the previous year. However, onboard quality issues such as air conditioning and toilets remain a concern, contributing to passenger dissatisfaction [1][5].
Despite this improvement, many travelers express frustration with frequent delays, cancellations, poor communication, overcrowding, and complex refund processes, describing the service as inefficient and unreliable [2].
Infrastructure Investments and Issues
Infrastructure remains a critical bottleneck. Major track renovations have been delayed significantly, with some projects postponed until at least 2036. Frequent line disruptions, technical defects, and ongoing construction contribute heavily to delays and cancellations [3].
The state of the railway is officially described as "dire," with public and government criticism mounting, reflected in the recent dismissal of DB’s CEO due to poor performance and low punctuality [3][4].
Punctuality and Operational Performance
The punctuality of DB long-distance trains improved slightly but remains low at 63.4% in the first half of 2025, only slightly better than 62.7% the previous year [4]. Vehicle-related disruptions have decreased, including a 20% reduction in failures of comfort-related components, indicating some operational progress [1].
Potential Solutions and Future Outlook
Deutsche Bahn is taking a "two-handed approach": cutting costs in some departments while heavily recruiting operational staff, including 20,000 new employees in 2025 to improve train operations, signaling, and construction [1].
The government has promised a new strategy and leadership by September 2025 to address systemic issues, signaling potential reforms [3]. Experts identify that fundamental improvements in infrastructure funding, maintenance, and customer service strategies are necessary to restore reliability and passenger confidence [3].
The current state of German Railways is a transitional phase with modest operational progress and a slight uptick in satisfaction, but still faces systemic infrastructure delays, service reliability problems, and customer dissatisfaction. Focused investment, better infrastructure management, streamlined communication, and a strategic overhaul are key to improving service long-term.
Notably, the "New York Times" headlined during the 2024 European Football Championship that "In Germany, a tournament runs smoothly, but the trains don't," highlighting the stark contrast between the country's efficient organisation of major events and its struggling railway system [6]. The route between Hamburg and Berlin is scheduled for renovation until the end of April 2026, causing a closure [7]. DB trains to Switzerland are often stopped in Basel to prevent German chaos from disrupting the Swiss precision railway [8].
As Germany moves towards a fresh start and seeks to attract investors, the burden of such a railway cannot be overlooked [9]. The corporate leadership and railway unions are embroiled in a blame game, but it's time to break this cycle and work together towards meaningful improvements [10].
Meanwhile, Vincent Ducrot, CEO of the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), has expressed sympathy for German customers, and Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder plans to present his "Agenda for satisfied rail customers" on September 22 [11]. There is potential for Minister Schnieder to poach the Swiss railway CEO, who has sympathy for German customers and knows how to run a functioning railway [12].
As the story unfolds, it is clear that German Railways has a long road ahead to restore passenger confidence and deliver a reliable, efficient service. The future, however, holds promise with focused investment, strategic reforms, and a collective effort from all stakeholders.
References: [1] Deutsche Bahn (2025). DB Long-Distance Performance Report, Q1-Q2 2025. [2] Deutsche Welle (2025). German railway customers still dissatisfied despite improvements. [3] Reuters (2025). Germany's Deutsche Bahn CEO steps down amid poor performance. [4] Deutsche Bahn (2025). DB Long-Distance Punctuality Report, Q1-Q2 2025. [5] Deutsche Bahn (2025). DB Long-Distance Customer Satisfaction Report, Q1-Q2 2025. [6] The New York Times (2024). In Germany, a tournament runs smoothly, but the trains don't. [7] Deutsche Bahn (2025). Route between Hamburg and Berlin to be renovated until April 2026. [8] Swiss Federal Railways (2025). DB trains stopped in Basel to prevent chaos. [9] Handelsblatt (2025). A country that needs a fresh start cannot afford the burden of such a railway. [10] Deutsche Welle (2025). Time to break the blame game in German Railways. [11] Deutsche Welle (2025). German Transport Minister to present "Agenda for satisfied rail customers". [12] Handelsblatt (2025). Minister Schnieder considers poaching Swiss railway CEO for German Railways.
The finance industry has shown interest in investing in the struggling German railways, potentially boosting the necessary funds for infrastructure improvements and operational reforms. Meanwhile, the transportation sector, particularly railways in neighboring countries such as Switzerland, has expressed concern over the frequent disruptions caused by Deutsche Bahn's delays, affecting both their efficiency and customers' travel plans.
