The new chief of Germany's beleaguered rail network vowed Monday to make a new start, with the state-owned operator widely criticised for deteriorating services. AdvertisementEvelyn Palla is taking the helm of Deutsche Bahn, which was once widely admired for its punctuality and efficiency but now maligned for frequent delays and cancelled trains. "There is no quality switch we can suddenly flick and then all is good," said the incoming chief executive officer, an Italian who has been at Deutsche Bahn since 2019. AdvertisementAt a joint press conference with Palla, Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder said everyone wanted to be "proud" of Germany's trains again. Deutsche Bahn is now aiming for 70 percent of long-distance trains to be on time by 2029 -- the previous deadline was 2026.