Deutsche Bahn boss Lutz will soon present new restructuring program

Status: 08.09.2024 17:10

Dilapidated infrastructure, train cancellations, delays: Deutsche Bahn can’t escape the negative headlines. A new restructuring plan is now supposed to change that. But the paper shows that some of the goals were already set five years ago.

Deutsche Bahn boss Richard Lutz wants to present a restructuring plan for the struggling state-owned company. The 110-page document called “S3” has already been distributed internally, reports the Süddeutsche Zeitung, which has the program. It is to be discussed at the next meeting of the Deutsche Bahn supervisory board on September 18. The Reuters news agency had previously reported on individual figures from it.

When asked, Deutsche Bahn said that the board would launch an overall program to restructure DB over the next three years and present it to the supervisory board on September 18. Details of the restructuring program would first be presented to the supervisory board. Lutz explained in “S3” how the railway should become profitable and punctual again by 2027 – with figures that he largely promised for 2024 five years ago, reports the SZ.

Completely miscalculated with staff

Lutz cites the broken infrastructure as the main reason for the failure to meet targets. The paper also shows that Deutsche Bahn has completely miscalculated its personnel costs. At EUR 34.3 billion, personnel costs for 2024 are significantly higher than the originally estimated EUR 28 billion. According to the restructuring program, Deutsche Bahn is expected to make an operating profit of EUR 2 billion in 2027. However, this target is not considered realistic in the circles, citing, for example, ongoing losses in the freight division.

Lutz is reportedly promising more commuter connections or more sprinters, wants to redesign the regional network and grow internationally. The railway boss also wants to shorten the turnaround times of trains and keep fewer ICE trains in reserve.

Weaknesses of the rail system noticeable

A Deutsche Bahn spokesman said the program was aimed at renovating the infrastructure, the operational situation and the economic situation. “We will measure progress according to fixed goals and discuss it regularly with the supervisory board and the owner. One thing is clear: in Germany and for DB, we need a turnaround for the better for our customers.” The last few months have clearly shown the clear weaknesses of the German rail system for everyone to see.

Just on Saturday afternoon, an IT disruption in the Rhine-Main area led to significant restrictions on rail traffic in central Germany. A few days ago, Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing increased the pressure on Deutsche Bahn and demanded more punctual and better utilized trains. The FDP politician demanded a restructuring plan from the federally owned company. The railway should make continuous improvements by 2027 and also operate more economically.

source site

Related Articles