German Rail’s Weekend Timetable Change Sparks Call for Quality Overhaul
As the German Rail’s (Deutsche Bahn) timetable change took effect over the weekend, the Union is urging the company to launch a quality offensive. According to Björn Simon, the CDU’s parliamentary group’s spokesperson for transportation, the German Rail must become more punctual, reliable and customer-friendly.
Simon, speaking to the “Rheinische Post” (Friday edition), emphasized that, especially in long-distance travel, high ticket prices often come with a right to expect quality. Many rail passengers have been experiencing daily delays, defective carriages, closed onboard restaurants and broken escalators.
“The rail will not become an attractive alternative, but a test of patience” Simon added. “The massive deficits in the rail’s punctuality and customer service must now be tackled with determination.