In an interview with the Deutsche Presse-Agentur, van Zijderveld emphasized the urgency of reversing the current downward trend in punctuality, which stood at approximately 89% in April 2026, surpassing the long-distance service rate of about 64%. He acknowledged the need for innovative solutions within the transport association system but did not provide a specific timeline for improvements. The ongoing poor condition of infrastructure is cited as a primary factor contributing to delays in rail services.