German Trains Running Late

German passenger trains, particularly those operated by Deutsche Bahn, are running late. The Economist points out that austere government spending means the system has not had the investment to maintain a high level of service. "The rail network has not kept pace with the long-term population shift to cities or the increase in freight traffic from ports," The Economist reports. Pension cuts have lead to the service losing many of its more experienced staff to retirement.

Deutsche Bahn's defenders point out that their have been improvements to facilities. "Train travel remains affordable, regional services are efficient, and this year passengers should be mollified by new rolling stock and renovated stations," The Economist writes.