Cost of Delayed Trains in Germany Reaches 197 Million Euros

In Germany, last year, more than 13,600 train services were canceled, resulting in a record compensation payment of 196.8 million euros to passengers. Transportation issues in Germany are leading to financial losses. Reports in the German press indicate that in 2024, 6.9 million passengers filed for compensation from the German Railways Deutsche Bahn (DB) due to service cancellations and delays. DB paid a total of 196.8 million euros in delay refunds for service cancellations and train delays in 2024, marking the highest compensation paid by the corporation to date. The primary reason for cancellations and delays in train services at German Railways is attributed to the lack of maintenance in the railway network. According to DB officials, 80% of the cancellations and delays in 2024 were caused by poorly maintained and overloaded infrastructure. In Germany, if long-distance trains are delayed by more than 60 minutes, 25% of the ticket price is refunded, and if the delay exceeds 120 minutes, 50% of the fare is reimbursed. Data indicates that one out of every three high-speed trains arrives at its destination late.