German Trains Running Late

A quarter of German long-distance trains ran behind schedule, and they're not likely to improve soon.

1 minute read

February 1, 2019, 6:00 AM PST

German passenger trains, particularly those operated by Deutsche Bahn, are running late. The Economist points out that austere government spending means the system has not had the investment to maintain a high level of service. "The rail network has not kept pace with the long-term population shift to cities or the increase in freight traffic from ports," The Economist reports. Pension cuts have lead to the service losing many of its more experienced staff to retirement.

Deutsche Bahn's defenders point out that their have been improvements to facilities. "Train travel remains affordable, regional services are efficient, and this year passengers should be mollified by new rolling stock and renovated stations," The Economist writes.

FULL STORY: The travails of Germany’s rail passengers

Thursday, January 24, 2019 in The Economist

Transportation Europe Germany Trains Passenger Rail Under Investment Austerity Pension Cuts Pension Reform Deutsche Bahn Rail Service View More

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