Deutsche Bahn’s CEO, Richard Lutz, has delivered a mixed assessment of the company’s performance through the first half of 2025. While acknowledging positive developments in financial efficiency – attributable to successful cost management – Lutz conceded that significant challenges remain.
According to internal data released alongside Lutz’s remarks, the reduction of locations experiencing speed restrictions has progressed faster than anticipated and more signal boxes have been modernized ahead of schedule. However, punctuality continues to be a persistent problem. “Punctuality is unacceptable” Lutz stated to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung.
Speculation regarding a potential leadership change has intensified following discussions surrounding personnel adjustments outlined in the current coalition agreement. Lutz has dismissed such speculation, asserting his focus remains firmly on his duties. “I will not allow myself to be distracted by the debate about my person” he said. He also admitted past shortcomings, acknowledging he should have earlier highlighted the inadequacy of budget allocations for railway infrastructure.
The train drivers’ union, GDL, has publicly called for Lutz’s replacement. GDL Chairman Mario Reiß, while acknowledging Lutz’s personal fairness and financial acumen, asserted that his skillset is ill-suited to the current circumstances facing the company. He characterized Lutz as contributing to the present state of the Deutsche Bahn.
A cautious stance was also adopted by Martin Burkert, the Deputy Chairman of the Deutsche Bahn supervisory board, who refrained from publicly endorsing Lutz. Burkert, who also heads the railway union EVG, stated that management selection is a matter for the company’s owner and the relevant minister, emphasizing the need for trusting working relationships amongst leadership. He refuted suggestions of a lack of expertise within the supervisory board, describing such insinuations as unwarranted.