▶ Germany’s state-owned rail incumbent Deutsche Bahn (DB) is often held up as a role model of a vertically integrated rail body – managing track and trains together. But the facts tell a different story:

• Delays at DB have steadily risen: “less than 2/3 of long-distance trains reaching their destination on time … a new record low”. 

• And the losses keep growing: “the company reported a loss of over €1.2 billion. Total debt now amounts to around €34 billion”.

As a result, DB does a lot of PR to deflect criticism. Its most recent excuse being: “In the past, funds for the rail network, service facilities and stations have not been sufficient” – so blaming previous governments.

But is this really true? 

▶ Both the Member of the DB Management Board for Infrastructure and the CEO have been on the management board since at least 2015.

▶ Despite countless analysts and political lobbyists at their disposal, why did they not ask for these funds (much) earlier?

• To conclude: where was the much heralded ‘Guiding Mind’ – which is meant to be the purpose of an integrated rail body?

Furthermore we learn that, after the recent losses, DB plans “to cut 30,000 jobs”  which will “mostly affect administrative jobs”.

▶ This cutback shows: the integrated body managing both train & track had ample personnel at its disposal – despite this, it still did not deliver.

ALLRAIL Secretary General Nick Brooks says: “Rail workers should be on the front line dealing with passengers, not sitting in offices.

Evidence shows that integrated rail bodies do not create simplicity – instead they create bureaucracy. The solution must be an independent infrastructure manager focused on track construction & maintenance that serve rail operators focused on passenger growth”.