Deutsche Bahn has reported its highest punctuality rate in 15 years, with a record proportion of long-distance and regional trains arriving at their destination on time in 2020.

81,8 percent of trains arrived on time 

A total of 81,8 percent of long-distance and regional Deutsche Bahn trains arrived at their destination punctually in 2020, an increase on the previous year’s rate of 75,9 percent. 

Regional transportation in particular reported high punctuality, with 95,6 percent of regional trains having arrived on time in 2020. Deutsche Bahn classes trains as having arrived “on time” if a train reaches its destination less than six minutes after its scheduled time of arrival. 

Less passengers and less breakdowns

Deutsche Bahn claims that half of the increase in punctuality is simply down to the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany, and its effects on transportation. With travel restrictions in place across much of the country at different times throughout 2020, passenger numbers dwindled and stopping times at stations were thus significantly reduced. 

This is not the only reason for the increase in punctuality, however - since 2019, Deutsche Bahn has been utilising the “Strong Rail” strategy programme - a programme focused heavily on investing and improving public transport across Germany. The programme places a strong importance on punctuality and has helped Deutsche Bahn boost the promptness of its trains.