Before starting my record attempt between Kemijärvi, Finland and Lagos, Portugal, people told me over and over it would break down in Germany. So much so that I even tried to re-but (pre-but?) some of the likely critique.
Now, having made the trip, and none of the total
considers
Okay, fair, but…if someone is unhappy with the German rail network, they could just drive too. You’d think that the pressure valve release of having alternatives would be equally available in Germany and pull people who are not happy with the rail system off that system and have them not complain about it.
Can’t speak for everyone, but at least for me: And pay the considerable high upfront cost for the license, car itself, insurance, parking, etc.?
I complain about the rail in Germany a lot, because I see how much better it could and should be, given our economic capabilities. Not because I think cars are better. The only thing I can imagine pushing me to willingly go through all the financial and temporal hassle of cars would be moving out into the countryside.
That is exactly what every car salesman said to every transportation minister in Germany ever, and as the car companies are said to be a very important part of german industry, the politicians (mostly CDU/CSU) acted accordingly.
Everyone knows what it takes to make DB better. But if it was better, why would anyone buy a car anymore?
and that is why train activists rarely blame DB and mostly blame politicians.
Though, to be fair, they should really blame the electorate. The politicians have simply been doing what they and their parties were voted in for.