Members of Germany’s Green Party are urging substantial investment in the nation’s rail network following the announced early departure of Deutsche Bahn CEO Richard Lutz. Julia Verlinden, deputy parliamentary group leader for the Greens, stated that simply replacing leadership will not be sufficient to address the challenges facing the railway system. She emphasized the necessity of significant investment in infrastructure to restore functionality. Verlinden specifically highlighted the importance of utilizing a special fund, known as the “Sondervermögen” as a prerequisite for this investment, placing the onus on the current government to act.
Verlinden also voiced criticism of the government’s recent actions regarding Deutsche Bahn. She pointed to decisions made within the first 100 days of the current coalition, including the elimination of affordable family reservations, the planned withdrawal of railway funding from road toll revenue and a reluctance to secure long-term affordability for the Deutschlandticket (national public transport ticket), as evidence of insufficient consideration for passenger interests.
The announcement regarding the premature termination of Richard Lutz’s contract came on Thursday from Federal Minister of Transport Patrick Schnieder (CDU). Lutz will remain in his position until a successor is appointed.