Deutsche Bahn reports positive initial results three months after launching a special program aimed at improving cleanliness within its trains. According to Michael Peterson, Head of Long-Distance Transport, the immediate measures are having an impact, and surveys indicate that passengers can perceive both improvements in onboard cleanliness and service quality.
To support this initiative, Bahn is dedicating an additional €20 million toward the effort in 2026 alone. Since January, the cleaning staff has been significantly expanded. Peterson announced that on high-traffic routes, 220 employees are now responsible for cleaning the trains while they are in service-a doubling of the previous workforce. In the first quarter, the team managed to clean 680,000 toilets and fill approximately 170,000 trash bags. Furthermore, dedicated cleaning crews are on standby at major stations, such as Munich, and can be deployed as necessary.
The program has also increased the care given to the carriages’ carpeting. Instead of previously cleaning an area equivalent to four football fields on a weekly basis, the cleaning teams are now managing six such areas.
Beyond cleaning, the initiative includes the deployment of mobile technicians to ensure the stable operation of coffee machines in the onboard bistros. These technicians have been highly active, replacing 100 devices in the initial three months, addressing the frequent complaint regarding compromised coffee service.
