The Green Party is calling for greater transparency and a shift in operational culture from the incoming head of Deutsche Bahn, Germany’s national railway company. Matthias Gastel, the party’s parliamentary group expert on rail transport, told the “Rheinische Post” newspaper that the new leadership needs to instigate a fundamental change, emphasizing “radical honesty, less glossing over problems and a mentality of action.
Gastel stressed the importance of the new leader possessing a deep understanding of the railway system’s intricacies. He indicated the need for a champion for rail transport, rather than simply an administrator, suggesting an external perspective would be beneficial for the organization.
Simultaneously, the Green Party politician urged Federal Minister of Transport, Patrick Schnieder, to assume greater responsibility from the federal government for ensuring the railway’s functionality. Gastel pointed to the requirement of sufficient and reliable infrastructure financing, alongside improved oversight and control of Deutsche Bahn. Minister Schnieder is expected to unveil his reform plans on Monday, which are anticipated to include the announcement of Richard Lutz’s successor as CEO.