"Jokergleise" for more punctuality at the Bahn - Germany unveils bold 22-step plan to fix Deutsche Bahn's chronic delays

Germany's Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder has unveiled a new plan to tackle Deutsche Bahn's persistent punctuality issues. The proposals, presented in Berlin, aim to reduce delays and improve reliability for passengers nationwide. A government task force developed the measures after months of growing frustration over late trains across the country.

The Task Force for Deutsche Bahn outlined 22 concrete steps in a report released around March 2026. Key changes include longer buffer times between services from 2027, though specific routes have not yet been named. These extended pauses are designed to absorb small delays before they escalate.

Another major adjustment involves **'Flex-Abfahrten'**, allowing trains to depart slightly earlier than scheduled to maintain timetables. The plan also introduces **'Joker-Gleise'**, reserved tracks for last-minute operational tweaks. These will focus on high-traffic hubs like Hamburg, Cologne, and Frankfurt, with rollout beginning in 2026 and 2027. The measures come as Deutsche Bahn faces mounting criticism over service reliability. Passengers have long complained about frequent disruptions, prompting the government to intervene with targeted solutions.

The new strategies mark a direct response to ongoing delays on Germany's rail network. By expanding buffer times and introducing flexible departure rules, authorities hope to stabilise schedules. Implementation will start in key cities within the next two years, with further details expected as planning progresses.