From what I have experienced of the German trains the last quarter of a century, I would say they ought to fire everyone in Mr. Mehdorn's outfit, starting with him, and start over. I usually get the whiny retort that the system is a really good one compared to others. So what? Mediocrity is mediocrity, and too many trains run late, plus service personnel are unhelpful in retrieving lost property and act like giving a long-term customer a voucher for Deutsche Bahn's failures is a big deal. Food is WAY overpriced (I know, captive audience, but get real!). Half the personnel know ticket rules and the other haldf doesn't seem to on occasion. Unfortunately, DB has no competition and can go on strike. They are exceeded in horrible service only by Heidelberg's public transportation system and inhuman drivers.