Between 2019 and 2024 the number of cancelled Deutsche Bahn services has increased from 1 percent to 4 percent, according to the Ministry of Transportation.

DB sees increased train cancellations

In response to a parliamentary request from Matthias Gastel (Greens), the German Ministry of Transportation has revealed that the number of long-distance Deutsche Bahn trains cancelled annually has increased from 1 percent in 2019 to 4 percent in 2024.

The number of cancelled regional trains has also increased, from 1 percent in 2019 to 5 percent in 2024. Last year, more than 13.600 Deutsche Bahn trains were cancelled.

Figures released by Deutsche Bahn in January also revealed that just 62,5 percent of long-distance trains arrived at their destination on time in 2024.

What was the main cause of cancellations in 2024?

According to the ministry, around half of all trains cancelled in 2024 were cancelled during a wave of strikes early last year, while the German Train Drivers’ Union (GDL) was negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement with Deutsche Bahn. The strike wave ended in March when the GDL won employees a 35-hour week from 2029.

“An increase in train cancellations is also a consequence of degraded infrastructure,” Gastel said in response to the ministry, “A high level of investment must therefore be secured and implemented in the next years”. 

Gastel said that Deutsche Bahn management “cannot put all the blame on infrastructure” and claimed that many train cancellations were due to vehicles being inadequately maintained or not punctually delivered to their departure spot.

Thumb image credit: Pusteflower9024 / Shutterstock.com