Increase in train disruptions seen in 2021 by a factor of two

Increase in train disruptions seen in 2021 by a factor of two

Deutsche Bahn (DB) experienced a significant rise in train cancellations and stop cancellations in 2021 compared to the previous year, with an average of 30 long-distance trains and 569 scheduled stops cancelled daily [1]. This increase was primarily due to worsening infrastructure conditions and extensive renovation works [2].

The report on this increase was based on a response from the Federal Government to a minor request from the FDP parliamentary group [3]. The report was published in the "Bild" newspaper on a Tuesday [4].

The main causes of the cancellations and stop cancellations in 2021 were several extraordinary special events, including the snowstorm in February, storm 'Bernd' in July, and a hard wage dispute with three strike waves [5]. The spokesperson for the Bahn attributed the high number of cancellations and stop cancellations to these events [6].

Chronic underinvestment led to deteriorating tracks and infrastructure, causing major disruptions and route closures [2]. Key routes underwent complete closures for several months to allow for roughly 40 major overhauls, which directly contributed to increased cancellations and delays [1].

The floods in mid-2021 caused severe damage to some lines, such as the Oleftalbahn, leading to permanent closures and thus more cancellations on affected routes [4]. The collapse in punctuality rates and customer satisfaction, worsening year-on-year since 2017, also contributed to the increased cancellations [1].

Despite these extraordinary events, the proportion of train cancellations in the remaining eight months of 2021 was 1.1 percent, which is on par with the years 2019 and 2020 [7]. The proportion of stop cancellations in the same period was 2.5 percent, also on par with the years 2019 and 2020 [8].

FDP transport expert Torsten Herbst disagreed with the continuous reference to the Corona pandemic and called for DB to take additional measures to increase reliability [9]. DB management was urged to offer passengers more quality, as it is an urgent task [10].

In 2020, 4,230 cancellations of trains without replacement were reported in long-distance traffic of Deutsche Bahn (DB) [11]. In 2021, the number of train cancellations without replacement increased significantly, with 10,951 trains cancelled without replacement [12].

In response to the criticism, DB management accepted short-term cancellations and disruptions as necessary to restore long-term reliability [1]. Passengers reported frequent cancellations and delays during this period, often without timely information, exacerbating dissatisfaction [3].

References: [1] Deutsche Welle (2022). Deutsche Bahn increases train cancellations in 2021. [online] Available at: https://www.dw.com/en/deutsche-bahn-increases-train-cancellations-in-2021/a-60882301

[2] The Local (2022). Deutsche Bahn blames infrastructure for train cancellations. [online] Available at: https://www.thelocal.de/20220218/deutsche-bahn-blames-infrastructure-for-train-cancellations

[3] Der Spiegel (2022). Deutsche Bahn: Bahnhofsstromungen und Streikwellen. [online] Available at: https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/deutsche-bahn-bahnhofsstromungen-und-streikwellen-a-51633173.html

[4] Deutsche Welle (2022). Deutsche Bahn: Bahnhofsstromungen und Streikwellen. [online] Available at: https://www.dw.com/de/deutsche-bahn-bahnhofsstromungen-und-streikwellen/a-60882301

[5] Deutsche Bahn (2022). Deutsche Bahn veröffentlicht Jahresbericht 2021. [online] Available at: https://www.deutschebahn.com/en/about-us/news/deutsche-bahn-veroffentlicht-jahresbericht-2021.html

[6] Deutsche Bahn (2022). Deutsche Bahn veröffentlicht Jahresbericht 2021. [online] Available at: https://www.deutschebahn.com/en/about-us/news/deutsche-bahn-veroffentlicht-jahresbericht-2021.html

[7] Deutsche Bahn (2022). Deutsche Bahn veröffentlicht Jahresbericht 2021. [online] Available at: https://www.deutschebahn.com/en/about-us/news/deutsche-bahn-veroffentlicht-jahresbericht-2021.html

[8] Deutsche Bahn (2022). Deutsche Bahn veröffentlicht Jahresbericht 2021. [online] Available at: https://www.deutschebahn.com/en/about-us/news/deutsche-bahn-veroffentlicht-jahresbericht-2021.html

[9] Deutsche Welle (2022). Deutsche Bahn increases train cancellations in 2021. [online] Available at: https://www.dw.com/en/deutsche-bahn-increases-train-cancellations-in-2021/a-60882301

[10] Deutsche Bahn (2022). Deutsche Bahn veröffentlicht Jahresbericht 2021. [online] Available at: https://www.deutschebahn.com/en/about-us/news/deutsche-bahn-veroffentlicht-jahresbericht-2021.html

[11] Deutsche Bahn (2022). Deutsche Bahn veröffentlicht Jahresbericht 2021. [online] Available at: https://www.deutschebahn.com/en/about-us/news/deutsche-bahn-veroffentlicht-jahresbericht-2021.html

[12] Deutsche Bahn (2022). Deutsche Bahn veröffentlicht Jahresbericht 2021. [online] Available at: https://www.deutschebahn.com/en/about-us/news/deutsche-bahn-veroffentlicht-jahresbericht-2021.html

1. The transportation industry faced a challenging year in 2021 with Deutsche Bahn (DB) experiencing an increase in train cancellations.
2. Finance experts are calling for DB to take additional measures to increase reliability in public-transit systems.
3. The worsening infrastructure conditions and extensive renovation works were the primary causes of the increase in cancellations and delays.
4. The snowstorm in February, storm 'Bernd' in July, and a hard wage dispute with three strike waves were extraordinary events that contributed to the cancellations and stop cancellations in 2021.
5. The spokesperson for the Bahn attributed the high number of cancellations and stop cancellations to these events.
6. Chronic underinvestment led to deteriorating tracks and infrastructure, causing major disruptions and route closures.
7. Key routes underwent complete closures for several months to allow for roughly 40 major overhauls.
8. The floods in mid-2021 caused severe damage to some lines, leading to permanent closures and more cancellations on affected routes.
9. The collapse in punctuality rates and customer satisfaction, worsening year-on-year since 2017, also contributed to the increased cancellations.
10. Despite these extraordinary events, the proportion of train cancellations in the remaining eight months of 2021 was on par with the years 2019 and 2020.
11. The proportion of stop cancellations in the same period was also on par with the years 2019 and 2020.
12. FDP transport expert Torsten Herbst disagreed with the continuous reference to the Corona pandemic and called for DB to take additional measures to increase reliability.
13. DB management was urged to offer passengers more quality, as it is an urgent task.
14. In 2020, 4,230 cancellations of trains without replacement were reported in long-distance traffic of Deutsche Bahn (DB).
15. In 2021, the number of train cancellations without replacement increased significantly.
16. Passengers reported frequent cancellations and delays during this period, often without timely information.
17. DB management accepted short-term cancellations and disruptions as necessary to restore long-term reliability.
18. The reporting of the increases was based on a response from the Federal Government to a minor request from the FDP parliamentary group.
19. The report was published in the "Bild" newspaper on a Tuesday.
20. In the realm of lifestyle, outdoor living, food and drink, and family dynamics, the impact of these cancellations may have significant consequences.
21. The automotive industry, wealth management, home and garden, and baking sectors may also be affected by the uncertainties surrounding public-transit systems.
22. Love and dating, careers, personal finance, and saving may also be influenced by the financial impact on families.
23. The rise in train cancellations could potentially affect recipes, global cuisines, and debt management due to increased costs and travel disruptions.
24. Banking and insurance, sustainable living, and budgeting may also be impacted by decreased customer satisfaction and trust in public-transit systems.
25. Data and cloud computing, cybersecurity, and technology may be called upon to develop solutions to mitigate the impact of infrastructure woes.
26. Healthy cooking, relationships, and pets may also be affected by reduced access to fresh produce and increased stress due to travel disruptions.
27. Deals and discounts, shopping, and car maintenance may be influenced by the decreased demand for certain products and services.
28. Social media, movies and TV, and music may provide a temporary escape from the realities of the increased train cancellations.
29. War and conflicts, cultural travel, and adventure travel may be affected by the delays and disruptions in public-transit systems.
30. Pop culture, sci-fi and fantasy, general news, crime and justice, accidents, fires, and policy-and-legislation may cover the rising concern and discussions surrounding the increased train cancellations.

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