After some information started circulating last week, Deutsche Bahn (DB) has published its report for 2024. Its rail freight subsidiary DB Cargo posted negative numbers across the board, with an operating loss of 357 million euros.
The negative year for DB Cargo was also highlighted by the total tonnes transported, 180 million, which is 9 per cent lower than in 2023. Performance also took a hit, with 68,5 million tonne-kilometres, indicating a 7.9 per cent drop compared to the previous year. The company’s revenue decreased by 3.2 per cent year-on-year.
‘Biggest crisis since railway reform’
“Deutsche Bahn is facing the biggest crisis since the railway reform”, said the company’s CEO Richard Lutz. In general, the group finished 2024 with an operating loss of -333 million euros, which is still a significant reduction (1,8 billion euros) compared to 2023.
The main cause behind DB’s struggles last year was the poor condition of the infrastructure, the company said. Moreover, strikes and a generally weak economy played a role as well.
DB’s net financial debt also increased to 32,6 billion euros, an additional 1,4 billion euros compared to the previous year. The sales of logistics operator DB Schenker (14,3 billion euros) and public transport company DB Arriva (reportedly 1,6 billion euros) should help in recovering some of this debt next year.