The union representing train drivers, GDL, has accused Deutsche Bahn of manipulating statistics to present a more favorable picture of its punctuality record. According to GDL leader Mario Reiß, the practice of omitting trains from the statistics to improve overall performance is “no surprise” and has been an open secret among railway personnel for some time. This accusation follows a report published by “Der Spiegel”, alleging that Deutsche Bahn intentionally cancels trains to artificially boost punctuality figures.
Reiß stated that union members have consistently reported experiencing such situations in their daily work. He emphasized that train staff often bear the brunt of passenger frustration, contrasting this with management efforts to create a more positive public image through superficial adjustments.
The union leader further criticized Deutsche Bahn’s top management, alleging they attempt to deflect attention from the root causes of delays through numerical manipulation and “ghost runs”. He highlighted the cascading effect of delays, where a single disruption triggers a chain reaction of subsequent delays. Reiß urged a shift away from what he described as “image-enhancing programs” and called for an honest assessment of failures, addressing underlying structural issues and establishing clear accountability at the management level. He warned that continued reliance on such tactics will further erode public trust in Deutsche Bahn and the broader transportation infrastructure.