Deutsche Bahn, led by CEO Richard Lutz, is undergoing its most significant crisis in 30 years, marked by substantial delays and financial struggles. In 2023, only 62.5% of long-distance trains were punctual, leading to a compensation payout of nearly $215 million for delays. The company's financial woes are reflected in a reported loss of €2.7 billion and a staggering debt of €32.6 billion. With the launch of the 'Strong Rail' strategy in 2019 aiming for a turnaround, expectations remain high, yet performance continues to lag against customer expectations.
Deutsche Bahn is experiencing its biggest crisis of the last 30 years. In key areas, we are a long way from what we set out to do and what our customers expect from us.
In 2024, the company had to pay its customers almost 200 million in compensation for delays and train cancellations, almost 70 million more than in the previous year.
Overall, Deutsche Bahn is sitting on a debt of 32.6 billion. While last year the company's balance sheet reported a loss of only 330 million, that was only because the federal government injected 1.8 billion for maintenance measures into it.
The Deutsche Bahn boss has been promising a turnaround for years, and in 2019 he launched the 'Strong Rail' strategy, intended to contribute to achieving the climate and transport policy goals in Germany.
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