Deutsche Bahn announces immediate program: €20 million for cleanliness and repairs

German state railway Deutsche Bahn (DB) has launched a comprehensive program to improve standards on long-distance trains, allocating an additional €20 million for this purpose within the current fiscal year. The project, officially announced by the head of long-distance passenger transport, Michael Peterson, and Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder, is a response to numerous passenger complaints regarding the technical and hygienic condition of rolling stock. The main focus of the plan is a radical increase in the number of staff responsible for cleanliness during journeys. The number of cleaning staff on ICE and IC trains is set to double – from 110 to 220 people – which will allow for more frequent toilet servicing and ongoing refreshment of carriage interiors during multi-hour routes. An innovative element of the strategy is the creation of specialized, mobile service teams that will be stationed at key German rail hubs: Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt am Main, and Munich. These teams are tasked with rapid response to faults reported by train crews, such as coffee machine failures, seat damage, or faulty lighting. Thanks to their activity, trains will not need to be taken out of service for minor workshop repairs, which will translate into better availability of rolling stock. The modernization will also include onboard catering – the operator plans to replace older kitchen equipment with modern counterparts to minimize downtime in meal and beverage service. The German rail system has been struggling for years with punctuality and technical infrastructure issues, stemming from chronic underinvestment following the 1994 reform. Deutsche Bahn manages a network over 33,000 kilometers long, serving as a key element of the European transport corridor. The "More Comfort in Long-Distance Trains" program aligns with the broader federal government strategy to make rail transport a more attractive alternative to air and car travel. This is the second of three planned remedial packages; the first concerned station aesthetics and safety, while the third is to be presented in the near future. Minister Schnieder emphasized that passengers expect tangible changes "here and now," not multi-year promises of modernization, justifying the immediate implementation of financial measures. Experts note, however, that while the investment in cleanliness is a step in the right direction, it will not solve DB's structural problems, such as chronic delays caused by congestion on main rail lines. „Die Fahrgäste werden feststellen: Es tut sich was in den Fernverkehrszügen, und zwar rasch.” (Passengers will notice: something is happening in the long-distance trains, and it's happening quickly.) — Michael Peterson The company's management also announced that the improvement of standards will include refreshing carpets in older train models and intensive training for onboard staff in customer service. These measures are to be fully implemented by the end of 2026, with the first effects – fewer faulty toilets – expected to be visible in the upcoming summer season. Critics point out that the €20 million amount is relatively small compared to DB's overall budget, but Peterson argues that precisely targeting these funds at the most bothersome shortcomings for passengers will bring a rapid improvement in service quality.