Detlef Neuß, head of Pro Bahn, criticized Schnieder’s performance, stating that conditions have worsened under his leadership. The train drivers’ union GDL called for a shift in transport policy, emphasizing that attributing the railway crisis solely to Schnieder oversimplifies the issue. GDL chairman Mario Reiß and Martin Burkert, head of the EVG union, highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach to strengthen railway infrastructure, warning that Schnieder’s successor must adopt a more independent stance from Deutsche Bahn to avoid repeating past mistakes.