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Punctuality
For us, increasing punctuality is the most important lever for improving product quality. Internal punctuality controls are based on lost units (number of delays). To measure punctuality, we compare the target arrival time to the actual arrival time for every train/bus run. A stop is considered on time if the scheduled arrival time is exceeded by less than six minutes in passenger transport or less than 16 minutes in freight transport. We summarize the arrival of trains/buses on schedule or up to a defined maximum delay using a degree of punctuality. In addition, since 2020, DB Regional Bus has also evaluated buses that have been operated more than one minute too early as not punctual, with retroactive effect. The figures are recorded daily and are made available to executives and employees online, together with the lost units and other management key figures, allowing measures to be taken to manage the situation. In addition, punctuality data, together with the associated indicators, are prepared regularly and used by the Management Board to determine what currently needs to be acted upon and where decisions are required. Punctuality is the key indicator of product quality at a Group level in terms of the Strong Rail strategy, and is a determining factor in calculating the variable compensation amount for executives at DB Group.
| Punctuality (%) | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | |
| DB Group (rail) in Germany | 95.1 | 93.7 | 93.4 | |
DB rail passenger transport in Germany | 95.2 | 93.9 | 93.5 | |
DB Long-Distance | 81.8 | 75.9 | 74.9 | |
DB Regional | 95.6 | 94.3 | 94.0 | |
DB Cargo (Germany) | 77.6 | 73.8 | 72.9 | |
DB Arriva (rail: United Kingdom, Denmark, Sweden, | 93.1 | 89.3 | 89.8 | |
DB Regional (bus) 1) | 83.4 | 81.6 | – | |
DB Cargo (Europe) | 76.9 | 74.0 | 72.8 | |
To measure punctuality, we compare the target arrival time to the actual arrival time for every train/bus run. We summarize the arrival of trains on schedule or up to a defined maximum delay using a degree of punctuality.
1) Change in method from 2020 onwards, with retroactive adjustments for the previous year.
Despite major challenges, mainly due to extensive construction volume and high temperatures during the summer months, punctuality in rail transport in Germany improved significantly. The positive development was supported by a large number of measures and the effects of Covid-19, which resulted in the lower infrastructure utilization and lower passenger numbers. In addition, our well-functioning Covid-19 management, in conjunction with capacity relief, particularly on highly overloaded infrastructure, also had an impact in the second quarter of 2020. In order to derive specific recommendations for action for the future, extensive investigations were carried out and a scientific study on the driving factors for punctuality during the Covid-19 restrictions was added. In addition, thanks to good construction site management on the infrastructure side, almost all planned construction work was implemented on time, despite some significant restrictions, and the negative effects of slow-running points on the North — South axis were significantly reduced. At DB Long-Distance, significantly better vehicle quality and availability had a positive effect on punctuality.