Transport minister proposes linking DB executive bonuses to government performance targets

In an interview published on Sunday, transport minister Steffen Bilger announced plans to condition Deutsche Bahn managers' bonus payments on the fulfillment of government-specified objectives. He argued that linking compensation to performance would pressure the national rail company to meet punctuality and service standards. Bilger pointed out that the current on-time rate hovers around 60% and that the target of 70% for long-distance trains is not expected to be reached until 2029.

He also noted that achieving perfect punctuality is unrealistic, even compared with other European nations. The move follows mounting public criticism over persistent delays and the perception of excessive executive remuneration, as the state prepares to invest billions in rail infrastructure upgrades.