Germany: A third of long-distance trains delayed in 2023
Renovations and repairs of the rail network were the main reasons behind German trains' continued impunctuality. Regional trains were a lot more punctual than long-distance trains The German rail network company Deutsche Bahn (DB) has once again smashed the myth of German trains running on time, according to statistics published by the company on Friday. Just 64% of long-distance trains reached their destination on time — meaning less than six minutes late — last year. This was a similar share to 2022 when 65.2% could be considered punctual. For regional trains, the rate of punctuality was much higher, with 91% reaching their destination on time. Why are so many trains delayed in Germany? DB said that the reason for the widespread delays was the increasing number of short-term works and repairs on the rails. According to the rail operator's own data, around 75% of all long-distance trains had to slow down for construction sites by the end of the year. The p...