Despite Record Usage: Minister Criticizes Quality in Public Transportation

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2025 December 20 . 2:03 PM

1 min read

This is a presentation and here we can see vehicles on the road and we can see some text written.

Despite Record Usage: Minister Criticizes Quality in Public Transportation - Despite Record Usage: Minister Criticizes Quality in Public Transportation

Public transport in Saxony-Anhalt is facing severe challenges as service quality declines despite rising demand. Transport Minister Lydia Hüskens (FDP) has spoken out against the worsening conditions, highlighting delays, cancellations, and overcrowding across the network.

In 2019, nearly 94% of trains in Saxony-Anhalt arrived on time. By 2025, that figure had fallen to just 84.7%, marking a historic low in punctuality. The drop comes as passenger numbers soared, reaching 84% above 2019 levels in 2024, with further growth expected this year.

Staff shortages remain the biggest issue, causing 43% of all cancellations in 2025. Beyond personnel problems, unplanned construction and infrastructure failures have added to the chaos. Overcrowded networks and sudden disruptions now frequently lead to delays or scrapped services. Minister Hüskens has called for urgent investment in modernisation, naming **DB InfraGO AG** as the key company responsible for upgrading the region’s rail infrastructure. Her criticism underscores the gap between rising passenger needs and the system’s ability to cope.

The decline in reliability comes at a time when more people than ever rely on Saxony-Anhalt’s trains and buses. With staffing issues and outdated infrastructure driving most problems, the pressure is now on DB InfraGO AG to deliver improvements. Without action, further disruptions and passenger frustration are likely to continue.