Deutsche Bahn and the German federal government have presented a joint programme aimed at improving comfort for passengers on long-distance services, with changes due to take effect during 2026.

The initiative forms part of the government’s broader Agenda for Satisfied Customers on the Rails, which focuses on operational improvements across the network.

A central element of the programme is an increase in cleaning staff on busy services. According to DB, around 220 employees will be deployed daily on heavily used routes, roughly double the current number.

Additional cleaning teams will also be stationed at selected major stations to respond to short-notice requirements. Carpet cleaning inside ICE trains is set to be carried out more frequently, rising from an area equivalent to four football pitches each week to around six, covering about 60 trains weekly.

Meanwhile, mobile technical teams will be introduced to address minor repairs and special cleaning tasks during operation. These teams are expected to focus in particular on onboard bistros and toilet facilities, with preventative replacement of components intended to reduce service disruptions.

From now on, it's all about noticeably more comfort on long-distance trains. This immediate action program is part of a larger package that the federal government and Deutsche Bahn have jointly launched. Three programs – one goal: a better travel experience for everyone who travels by train. We are improving what needs improving. Not sometime in the future, but now. My thanks go to all employees for their already outstanding commitment. They more than deserve to be proud of their railway again.

The reliability of onboard catering is another focus of the programme. Changes to logistics and stock management are designed to improve the availability of food and beverages. Maintenance of coffee machines and other equipment will be intensified, supported by mobile technicians based at stations in Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg and Berlin.

The operator also plans further upgrades to onboard facilities, including wider installation of mobile-signal-permeable windows and continued provision of dedicated areas for families and young children on ICE services.

Overall, Deutsche Bahn will invest an additional 20 million EUR during 2026 in measures covering cleanliness, catering and onboard equipment availability.

We want to be an even better host for our customers on board our trains. That's why our immediate action program focuses on significantly more comfort. Passengers will notice: things are changing on our long-distance trains, and quickly! This year, we are investing an additional 20 million euros in improved cleanliness, a more reliable catering service, and greater availability of onboard facilities. Furthermore, all our ICE trains already feature attractive areas for toddlers and families. We are also equipping more and more trains with windows that allow mobile phone signals to pass through.

Passengers should begin to notice changes during the course of 2026 as the measures are introduced across the core long-distance network.