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