German rail transport is now among the worst in Europe. How did it come to this?

https://www.npr.org/2025/12/12/g-s1-100794/germany-train-rail-deutsche-bahn

I remember my first time in Europe more than 20 years ago, when I was still doing research in physics. Back then, researchers from other countries praised German trains, prices aside.

Does anyone here have insight into what went wrong?

#Germany #Transport #Mobility #Infrastructure #RailChaos #RailTransport #Europe

Joachim boosted
This image shows a sleek, modern, black metallic gyro-stabilized monorail cabin system providing individual, autonomous, and “on-demand” transportation on a small section of railway track in a suburban or rural area. In the background, there are residential houses surrounded by trees and greenery. The scene is brightly lit with sunny weather.
This image shows a sleek, modern, black metallic gyro-stabilized monorail cabin system providing individual, autonomous, and “on-demand” transportation on a small section of railway track in a suburban or rural area. In the background, there are residential houses surrounded by trees and greenery. The scene is brightly lit with sunny weather.
This image shows a gyro-stabilized monorail cabin. The cabin has a reflective, metallic exterior with large windows on the sides with one of them being open and revealing a cozy interior with seating and wood accents. It is situated outdoors on a patch of grass, with residential houses in the background and a clear sky overhead.
This image shows a gyro-stabilized monorail cabin. The cabin has a reflective, metallic exterior with large windows on the sides with one of them being open and revealing a cozy interior with seating and wood accents. It is situated outdoors on a patch of grass, with residential houses in the background and a clear sky overhead.
This image shows a gyro-stabilized monorail cabin. The cabin has a reflective, metallic exterior with large windows on the sides with one of them being open and revealing a cozy interior with seating and wood accents. It is situated outdoors on a patch of grass, with residential houses in the background and a clear sky overhead.
This image shows a gyro-stabilized monorail cabin. The cabin has a reflective, metallic exterior with large windows on the sides with one of them being open and revealing a cozy interior with seating and wood accents. It is situated outdoors on a patch of grass, with residential houses in the background and a clear sky overhead.
This image shows the interior of a compact, modern vehicle cabin with wooden paneling and large windows. The seating area features blue upholstered seats with a small table or surface nearby. The design is minimalistic and cozy, with natural light coming through the windows, revealing a grassy outdoor scene with a building and trees in the background.
This image shows the interior of a compact, modern vehicle cabin with wooden paneling and large windows. The seating area features blue upholstered seats with a small table or surface nearby. The design is minimalistic and cozy, with natural light coming through the windows, revealing a grassy outdoor scene with a building and trees in the background.
Luke Drury boosted