Deutsche Bahn pays €197M in compensation for delays in 2024

German rail operator Deutsche Bahn (DB) reported on Sunday that it had paid out almost €197 million ($214 million) in customer compensation for delays and cancellations. 

Over a third of long-distance rail services by Deutsche Bahn were not punctual in 2024. The company considers a train to be late if it arrives more than 5:59 minutes after its scheduled time. 

Some 37.5% of DB's arrivals were considered delayed by that target, the worst punctuality rating in at least 21 years.

"If a train has been delayed, and our passengers are entitled to compensation, we pay this out without argument. And long delays lead to high compensation payments," a company spokesman told German newspaper Bild.

Almost 7 million people made claims

According to DB, it received around 6.9 million claims last year. In 2023, the company received 5.6 million claims and had to pay out some  €132.8 million.

Germany's railway system has become a major source of frustration for rail travelers in recent years.

Customers have been increasingly confronted with overcrowded trains, delays and service cancellations.

"DB aims to raise the punctuality of its long-distance express services by the end of 2027 to between 75% to 80%," the spokesman said.

Old and overloaded infrastructure

DB customers have also had to grapple with regular closures of large sections of track for maintenance and repair works.

According to DB, 80% of delays in 2024 were due to old and overloaded infrastructure, which has been strained by rising traffic in major transport hubs.

The rail operator is currently planning major renovations on 41 high-traffic corridors by 2030.

Additionally, DB has previously blamed a "tight labor market" as a contributing factor for delays, which DB said had made it difficult to meet personnel requirements.

Edited by: Natalie Muller