Half-yearly financial statement - The train is losing customers in long-distance transportation
The German Railways (Deutsche Bahn) transported significantly fewer people through the country in the first half of the year in long-distance transport compared to the same period in the previous year. According to the company's statements, 64.2 million passengers used long-distance trains in the first six months of the current year - a decrease of 6% compared to the first half of 2023. The reasons for the weaker demand and the significantly poorer punctuality, according to Bahnchef Richard Lutz, were extreme weather events, aging infrastructure, strikes, and accidents.
The decline in demand is adding to the problems facing the German Railways. Recently, the company had always emphasized that the demand for rail transport was continuously increasing - despite all problems with punctuality. Among the long-term goals of the railway is a doubling of traffic performance in passenger transport - that is, more traveled kilometers and more passengers.
The punctuality in long-distance transport was 62.7% in the first half of the year - a significant deterioration compared to the first half of 2023. The situation was particularly difficult in June. In several regions, there were floods, dam failures, and landslides that also affected rail transport. Almost every second train was delayed, which means it had a delay of at least six minutes. The punctuality rate in June was 52.9%.
The decline in long-distance traffic is affecting the financial situation of German Railways, as highlighted in their Half-yearly balance. Consumers in Germany, particularly those relying on railways for long-distance transport, have noticed a reduction in services due to factors such as extreme weather events, strikes, and accidents. The punctuality of German Railways in long-distance transport has also seen a significant drop, reaching only 52.9% in June, causing disruptions and delays for many Berlin commuters.
