Deutsche Bahn announces comfort improvement program: 20 million euros for cleanliness and minor repairs

The German national rail operator, Deutsche Bahn, has presented a comprehensive plan for an "immediate improvement" of travel standards, to be implemented still this year. Michael Peterson, DB board member for long-distance transport, together with the Federal Minister of Transport, announced the allocation of an additional 20 million euros to combat passengers' most troublesome problems: dirt in carriages and faulty technical equipment. The main focus is on ICE trains, which in recent years have struggled with a deteriorating image due to numerous breakdowns and deficits in interior cleanliness. A breakthrough change is to be the doubling of cleaning staff operating directly on trains while they are running. From the current 110 positions, the number will rise to 220, which is intended to ensure constant monitoring of toilet conditions and regular emptying of trash bins. Additionally, to avoid taking entire trainsets out of service due to minor faults, mobile service teams will be established in Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt, and Munich. Their task will be to repair air conditioning, coffee machines in the Bordbistro, or seat mechanisms while the train is stopped at a station, which should directly impact fleet availability and passenger satisfaction. Since 1994, when the railway reform in Germany transformed state agencies into a joint-stock company, there has been a debate about chronic underinvestment in infrastructure. DB is currently grappling with the lowest punctuality in its history, oscillating around 60-70 percent for long-distance traffic. The "More Comfort in Long-Distance Trains" program constitutes the second part of the German government's repair trilogy. The first stage concerned the aesthetics and modernization of railway stations, while the third is to focus on the digitization of services and passenger information. Experts point out, however, that the allocated 20 million euros, while helping to clean carriages on an ad-hoc basis, will not solve the fundamental problems of infrastructure, which requires billions in investment for the modernization of tracks and bridges. Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder emphasized, however, that passengers need proof of quality improvement now, not only after the conclusion of multi-year investment processes. „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 quickly.) — Michael Peterson 220 — cleaning staff will work on board trains The Deutsche Bahn initiative is seen as an attempt to salvage the brand's prestige ahead of upcoming important international events and competition from cheap flight connections. Besides cleanliness, DB plans to modernize its gastronomic facilities, replacing outdated ovens and coffee machines with new models that break down less frequently. The frequency of thorough cleaning of trainsets at service facilities during the night is also to be increased, which, combined with more intensive daily servicing, is intended to create a new quality of travel within Germany's public transport system.