Punctuality
Punctuality
Punctuality / % | H 1 2023 | 2022 | H 1 2022 |
DB Group (rail) in Germany | 91.7 | 90.9 | 92.3 |
DB rail passenger transport in Germany | 91.8 | 91.0 | 92.5 |
DB Long-Distance | 68.7 | 65.2 | 69.6 |
DB Regional | 92.4 | 91.8 | 93.1 |
DB Cargo (Germany) | 71.2 | 66.1 | 67.0 |
DB Arriva (rail: United Kingdom, Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands, Poland and the Czech Republic) 1) | 90.8 | 90.2 | 92.4 |
DB Regional (bus) | 85.9 | 86.0 | 86.5 |
DB Cargo | 70.5 | 66.3 | 66.9 |
To measure punctuality, we continually compare the target arrival time for every train/bus run to the actual arrival time. We summarize the arrival of trains/buses on schedule or up to a defined maximum delay using a degree of punctuality.
1) From July 2022, excluding activities sold in Sweden (2022 Integrated Report).
The punctuality in rail transport in Germany has reduced compared with the first half of 2022. The main reasons for this development are the following medium- and long-term structural effects:
- Poor condition of railroad facilities: There has been an increasing number of superstructure issues and speed restriction sections. The nationwide assessment and the replacement of defective concrete ties have remained a key issue in this regard.
- Intensive construction activities: Construction measures in the core network and a high volume of short-term construction and maintenance requirements with the simultaneous tight infrastructure capacity had an evident negative impact on punctuality.
- High network utilization: Highly utilized rail tracks and overloading of the major transport hubs on account of high and, in some cases, increased traffic volumes.
- Unstable scheduling processes: High demand on scheduling regulations and a significant increase in construction and maintenance measures that were not announced in a timely manner have had a negative impact on the quality of scheduling.
The build-up of all the individual effects has exacerbated the negative impact on punctuality and reduced the performance capability of the system as well as operating quality. By contrast, the decline in delays due to external events – especially on account of adverse weather – has had a positive effect, as have influences from third parties. To counteract the generally negative development, the planned and additional measures (including the digital production system and the introduction of the maintenance container) were implemented during the business year and a consistent cross-sectoral control of measures was established.
Outlook - Top targets strong rail
Anticipated development | 2022 | 2023 (Mar forecast) | 2023 (Jul forecast) |
Punctuality DB Long-Distance (%) | 65.2 | >70 | ~ 70 |
Punctuality DB Regional (rail) (%) | 91.8 | >92 | >92 |
Punctuality DB Cargo (Germany) (%) | 66.1 | >67 | >67 |
Based on previous development and updated estimates, we have adjusted our expectations for development in the 2023 financial year:
- We expect punctuality development at DB Long-Distance to be somewhat weaker than previously thought due to the development in the first half of 2023.