Transport Minister Bilger links railway managers' bonuses to punctuality

Federal Transport Minister Steffen Bilger has announced that bonuses for railway managers will in the future be linked to the achievement of punctuality targets. In an interview, Bilger stated that the current punctuality figures for Deutsche Bahn are completely inadequate in his view. He aims to create an incentive to increase punctuality.

Currently, a new financing agreement between the federal government and Deutsche Bahn is being worked on. Within this framework, financial resources allocated for rail infrastructure are to be tied to specific targets. The new regulation could lead to railway managers facing reduced bonuses if these targets are not met.

Bilger is thus increasing the pressure on the management level of Deutsche Bahn to achieve a noticeable improvement in punctuality levels. He seeks to strengthen the accountability of railway managers for meeting these targets. According to reports, reactions to this initiative have been predominantly positive.

A representative of the Pro-Bahn association has praised Bilger's approach. The parties involved see linking financing to target requirements as a sensible measure to enhance both punctuality and management efficiency.

It remains to be seen how these new regulations will affect the collaboration between the federal government and Deutsche Bahn and what specific targets will ultimately be established. However, according to Bilger, this is a step in the right direction for Deutsche Bahn.