Deutsche Bahn's €20M push transforms ICE train cleanliness and service

Deutsche Bahn has stepped up efforts to improve cleanliness and service on its ICE trains. The company is spending an extra €20 million this year to tackle long-standing issues. Early results show noticeable progress, with passengers reporting better conditions onboard.

Since January, the number of cleaning staff has more than doubled. Around 220 employees now clean trains while they are in service on busy routes. In the first three months alone, crews scrubbed 680,000 toilets and filled roughly 170,000 trash bags.

Deep cleaning has also intensified, with teams now covering an area equivalent to six football fields each week. Special units are stationed at major hubs like Munich, ready to respond to urgent cleaning needs. Beyond cleanliness, Deutsche Bahn has addressed maintenance problems with onboard equipment. In the first quarter, 100 faulty coffee machines were replaced. Mobile technicians now ensure the bistro machines stay operational throughout journeys.

The emergency measures appear to be working, as passenger surveys highlight improvements in both cleanliness and service quality. With the extra investment and expanded workforce, Deutsche Bahn aims to maintain these standards across its network. The focus remains on keeping trains cleaner and more reliable for travellers.