Deutsche Bahn forms expert commission to address delays

Deutsche Bahn has established an independent expert commission, named “Robuster Fahrplan,” to investigate ways to improve train punctuality despite an aging and overloaded rail network. The commission is scheduled to begin its work in Berlin on November 3.

One potential strategy being considered is a reduction in the frequency of train services. Enak Ferlemann, a former federal railway commissioner and current member of the commission, suggested that reducing long-distance services, such as moving from half-hourly to hourly intervals on the Berlin-Hamburg route, could lead to more reliable travel.

Data from Deutsche Bahn indicates that the network is facing significant congestion. In 2025, more than ten percent of trains operated on routes with utilization exceeding 115 percent. This overcrowding, combined with deteriorating infrastructure, has contributed to a 150 percent increase in congestion-related delays over the last decade.

While the commission will explore various solutions, the freight rail industry has expressed skepticism regarding the strategy of reducing service frequency. The commission is expected to present its findings and proposals for increased reliability in the new year.