The “Reliable Railway” taskforce announced on Friday the release of a report containing 22 measures aimed at improving the punctuality and reliability of rail transport, according to the Federal Ministry of Transport. The measures are scheduled for implementation in 2026 and 2027.
Key actions include the introduction of so‑called “joker tracks” to provide greater flexibility at high‑traffic stations. Depending on local conditions, the taskforce proposes selectively clearing specific platform tracks to ease bottlenecks. Other proposals are “flex‑departure” schedules for more dependable departure times, the deployment of passenger guides on the tracks to speed boarding and alighting, and the introduction of an AI‑based dispatch assistant that will detect conflicts and congestion early.
The taskforce’s work involved representatives from the federal government, the states, the Federal Railway Office, the Federal Network Agency, railway operators, task carriers, industry associations, unions and DB InfragO. Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU) said the measures mark an important milestone in the agenda for customer satisfaction on the railways. “What now matters is decisive implementation so that passengers can feel these improvements as soon as possible”.