Punctuality statistics show Switzerland before Germany and Austria

Berlin. The Pro-Rail Alliance has welcomed Deutsche Bahn's decision to now begin publishing monthly punctuality statistics online. "For passengers, this is a step towards greater freedom to choose," said the managing director of the Pro-Rail Alliance, Dirk Flege, on Tuesday in Berlin. "People do not just want to know how dangerous a journey might be, or its impact on the environment, they also need to know how punctual a transport mode is or whether to expect delays." Robust punctuality figures can certainly be an important factor when deciding on whether to travel by airplane, car or train, added Flege. The Deutsche Bahn's transparency drive is also a signal that it is serious about its "charm offensive, because pleasant railways are always punctual railways," said Flege. Instead of continuing to be secretive with its data, Deutsche Bahn is now finally prepared to be measured against its own targets, month for month.

In German speaking countries, Deutsche Bahn's 93 percent August punctuality rate for passenger transport compares well with the figures achieved by Austria's national rail operator (ÖBB), which reported a 96.5 percent punctuality rate for the first six months of this year. However, Deutsche Bahn and ÖBB cannot keep up with their Swiss competition. Because the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) has managed to maintain an excellent punctuality rate of over 95 percent for many years, it tightened its definition of punctuality in 2009. Since then, trains are defined as delayed if they arrive more than three minutes late at their destination. As recently as early September, SSB boss Andreas Meyer reported a new record under the tougher conditions of 91.6 percent. "The Swiss figures could also be an inspiration for Germany," said the Pro-Rail Alliance's managing director Flege. "There is plenty of room for improvement, especially for inter-city trains, which have a punctuality rate of just 80 percent." Flege pointed out however that the Swiss state traditionally invests large sums in its railway infrastructure, whereas in Germany the railways are always short of funding. "You cannot become world punctuality champion if there is not the political will to spend more on the network," said Flege.

The Pro-Rail Alliance believes that other modes of transport - particularly aviation and coache travel - should publish meaningful statistics on punctuality.