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Germans stick with cars despite public transport support and rail frustrations

Even with strong support for better public transport, most Germans won't ditch their cars. Chronic train delays and disruptions keep them on the road.

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The image shows a long line of taxis parked on the side of a street in Berlin, Germany. There are...
The image shows a long line of taxis parked on the side of a street in Berlin, Germany. There are many vehicles on the road, with people riding bicycles and walking on the sidewalk. On both sides of the street there are light poles and trees, and in the background there are buildings, an arch, and a tower. The sky is filled with clouds.

Annual Survey by HUK-Coburg Reveals Germans' Travel Preferences—With Rail Losing Trust. State-Owned Operator Disputes Findings.

Germans stick with cars despite public transport support and rail frustrations

More than a third of Germans now avoid train travel due to chronic delays and disruptions, according to a new survey, while over a quarter steer clear of rail journeys before important appointments to avoid being late. These are the key findings of this year's mobility study by insurance provider HUK-Coburg.

Persistent Delays and Failures Drive Passengers Away from Trains

When asked, "Have chronic punctuality issues changed how you plan train trips?" 35 percent of the 4,114 respondents replied, "I try to avoid train travel whenever possible." Another 28 percent said they now allow significantly more buffer time for rail journeys, while 26 percent admitted they no longer schedule important appointments when traveling by train.

The survey, conducted by YouGov on behalf of HUK-Coburg in January and February, does not reflect any potential impact from rising fuel prices linked to the Iran conflict. The results, HUK-Coburg states, are representative of the German population aged 16 and older, both nationwide and in each individual federal state.

Private Cars Remain the Clear Favorite Over Public Transport

By a wide margin, the private car remains the preferred mode of transport: 76 percent of respondents said that—regardless of engine type—their own vehicle would best meet their travel needs over the next five years. Public transport, meanwhile, is still widely seen as less convenient: only 16 percent chose trains, 13 percent trams and suburban rail (S-Bahn), and 12 percent buses. Even bicycles, also selected by 16 percent of respondents, proved more popular than public transit options.

At the same time, strong majorities believe the government should improve and make public transport more attractive: roughly two-thirds support free local transit and increased frequency for buses and trains.

Deutsche Bahn: Survey Does Not Reflect Actual Usage

Deutsche Bahn, Germany's state-owned rail operator, has rejected the suggestion that demand for train travel has declined.

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