Deutsche Bahn has launched a new restructuring program called "S3" to overcome the challenges of recent years. The goal is to improve rail performance and restore the company's financial stability by 2027. The focus is on increased punctuality, fewer disruptions and a comprehensive renovation of the infrastructure.
In a statement from the company, it is emphasized that punctuality in long-distance traffic, which has fallen to record lows in recent years, is to be increased to 75 to 80 percent within the next three years. This is to be achieved, among other things, by reducing infrastructure-related delays by 20 percent. One approach is to switch to a "synchronized system" for construction and maintenance measures, which will mean that construction sites will be better coordinated with the timetable in the future.
Deutsche Bahn is also planning a rapid renovation of 1.500 kilometers of track, starting with the Riedbahn between Frankfurt and Mannheim. Particular attention will be paid to the modernization of systems that are prone to failure, such as signal boxes. In addition, the number of "slow-speed sections" is to be reduced in order to increase the speed and reliability of train operations. Another point is the "selective relief" of the five most important rail hubs in Germany: Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne, Frankfurt and Munich.
Staff reductions and cost reductions
A key element of the program is cost-cutting to ease the financial pressure Deutsche Bahn is under. These measures will be supported by a two-phase reduction in staff, affecting both administration and sales. However, according to the company, no layoffs are planned. DB also wants to reduce staff requirements by optimizing operations.
Despite these savings, Deutsche Bahn plans to expand its long-distance services, particularly for business customers and international traffic. To increase the availability of trains, turnaround times and reserve quotas are to be reduced.
Financial Plan
Deutsche Bahn has set itself the goal of achieving an operating result of two billion euros by 2027. The latest half-year report for 2024 showed that the company is currently in the red. The restructuring measures are therefore not only a question of efficiency, but also a necessity to get the company back on a stable financial course.
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