Deutsche Bahn doubles cleaning staff to tackle long-distance train complaints

Deutsche Bahn has stepped up efforts to improve cleanliness and service on its long-distance trains. After months of passenger complaints, the company reports visible progress—backed by extra funding and more staff. This year, the rail operator has invested an extra €20 million to tackle cleanliness and onboard service issues. The number of cleaning staff has doubled since January, with 220 employees now working on trains along busy routes. In just three months, crews cleaned 680,000 toilets and filled around 170,000 trash bags.

Special teams now stand by at major hubs like Munich to address problems quickly. Carpet cleaning in ICE trains has also increased, with staff covering an area equal to six football fields every week. Michael Peterson, head of long-distance services, confirmed that passengers have noticed the improvements.

Despite progress, coffee service remains a frequent complaint. To fix this, mobile technicians have been repairing and replacing machines in onboard bistros. Over 100 devices were swapped out in the first quarter of the year. The emergency measures appear to be working, with cleaner trains and better service reported. Deutsche Bahn continues to focus on maintaining these standards while addressing ongoing issues like coffee availability. The additional investment and staffing aim to ensure long-term improvements for passengers.