The German company will allocate approximately EUR 2 billion for the purchase of new long-distance trains. This is the second largest new ICE trains purchase package in DB’s history. The average age of the fleet will fall to 12 years by 2030 and passengers will benefit from the comfort of modern trains.
In one of the largest procurement projects in the company’s history, Deutsche Bahn (DB) is buying 73 new ICE trains. The investment, worth a total of around EUR 2 billion, consists of 56 ICE L trains from Spanish manufacturer Talgo and 17 ICE 3neo trains from Siemens Mobility.
New ICE trains from 2026
The trains ordered are to be put on the tracks from 2026 and delivered by 2030. Thus, DB is currently investing a total of around EUR 12 billion in new long-distance trains. The average age of ICE and Intercity trains will fall from 18 years today to 12 years by 2030.
The strength of the ICE L is level embarkation and disembarkation on standard 76 centimetre high platforms. This means a significant increase in comfort for all passengers. Passengers will also benefit from the many innovations in the ICE 3neo, such as tablet holders and power outlets at all seats. New reservation screens with coloured LED lights provide information about reserved and free seats immediately. Mobile phone signal-permeable windows ensure stable reception on the train.
Dr. Michael Peterson, member of DB’s Board of Directors for long-distance passenger transport: “DB is going through a complete transformation over the next few years. This applies to both the rail network and our trains. As early as this year, we will receive an average of three new trains per month. With an additional EUR 2 billion, we are accelerating the rejuvenation of our train fleet. People want to travel by train. With new trains, more comfort and faster connections, we will respond to the booming demand for green mobility by rail.”
Dr. Volker Wissing, Federal Minister for Digitalisation and Transport: “The new trains are a breakthrough in rail – fast, digital, barrier-free. They not only create more urgently needed capacity, but also increase quality and comfort for passengers. Combined with our package of network modernisation measures, the rejuvenation of the fleet will ensure one thing above all: more reliability in operation.”
The new trains will add an additional 39,000 seats to the ICE fleet. This will include a total of 90 ICE 3neo trains and 79 ICE L trains. DB has concluded corresponding framework agreements with manufacturers for these trains.
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