Digitalization and innovation

The “Travel information for the future (IRIS+)” will gradually control passenger information facilities at stations. In combination with the travel information platform, passengers receive the necessary information about their journey via this platform. In 2022, more than 300 stations switched to the platform (a total of 720 by the end of 2022).

In addition to station conversions, innovations in passenger information are currently being prepared. The capacity in­­­dicator and passenger information maps showing disruptions in S-Bahn (metro) traffic, for example, should be emphasized here. These changes are expected to be introduced in the first quarter of 2023, to the Stuttgart and Rhine-Main S-Bahn (metro) networks.

It is also important to improve the quality of passenger information. For this purpose, additional input signals and improved consolidation of the various data supplies are implemented, in the data-supplying system travel information platform, in order to increase the reliability of passenger information. The first improvements have already been visible since summer 2022. At the same time, in the context of passenger information, preparations are currently underway for the introduction of the new systems at smaller stations: the next generation of dynamic visual displays (Dynamische Schriftanzeiger; DSA+) at the station is also planned to run through the new platform and is currently being introduced.

In late December 2022, our customers and station visitors were provided with free WiFi services at more than 600 stations. This includes both DB’s own network and partner networks. Our WiFi network WiFi@DB is currently available at 144 stations. This means that we are already reaching more than half of all passengers each day and covering almost all major transport hubs. A further 800 stations are to be gradually connected to the network.

With a new setup of online channels, we made an important contribution to a modern customer experience in 2022. In doing so, the existing portal bahnhof.de functions as a central, digital gateway to the station ecosystem. It consolidates digital products in one location and provides information about infrastructure and services at stations. Information and services are easier for interested parties to find, boosting customer satisfaction. In addition, the range of digital services will be significantly expanded and sales supported.

With Smart City | DB, we are seeking to improve everyday life through smart and eco-friendly services and to better integrate stations into municipalities and cities. In 2022, we were able to implement further measures:

• Packing stations at the train station: In March 2022, together with Deutsche Post DHL, we announced the opening of the packing stations for third-party senders and opened the first joint packing station at Leipzig Central Station. In the course of the cooperation, about 800 new packing stations will be established at stations by the end of 2023. Some of the stations had already been put into operation in 2022.
• DB Click&Collect service: Since late 2022, customers have been able to pick up or return shipments directly using the DB Click&Collect service “Box – Die Abhol­station” at a train station, without being bound by specific delivery and opening times. This means that for the first time, online shops and retailers can use the packing stations independently of the delivery company.
• Mobility hubs: In the mobility sector, further services at stations were put in place in 2022. Three mobility hubs were implemented at the Berlin Zoologischer Garten station together with Jelbi from the public transport company Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe. An electric car charging point was installed at the Plochingen and Bietigheim-­Bissingen stations. A total of five other mobility hubs are currently being established in Berlin, Hamburg and Stuttgart. In addition, in future, customers will have the opportunity to book a car parking space at Stuttgart stations.
• Coworking service: The coworking service everyworks has expanded its network to six locations. In addition, cooperation locations have been established with partners in the immediate vicinity of the central stations in Frankfurt am Main, Karlsruhe and Nuremberg, which can also be booked via the everyworks app.
• Micro Depot: With the Micro Depot, we are focusing on a sustainable last mile and climate-friendly forwarding of shipments using small vehicles such as cargo bikes. In 2022, a Micro Depot was established in Hamburg as part of a European funding project, which also offers space for neighborhood services oriented towards the common good. Other locations in Cologne, Munich and Dresden are currently being prepared in cooperation with the respective cities and logistics partners.

The integrated development of stations continued to pick up speed in 2022. Redesigned interiors, functional seating, advanced guidance systems and attractive forecourts are some of the aspects that are important for creating future stations where customers feel comfortable. Based on comprehensive findings, quality standards were developed for each product line that describe the Future Station and are to be implemented in numerous stations over the next few years. The structured approach to Future Stations and the standards behind them ensure a holistic consideration of our stations. In 2022, further measures clearly visible to passengers were implemented at about 70 stations, including funds from the Federal Government’s immediate action program. The range of services for families with children is also being expanded: in November 2022, the waiting and play area, which was created with Ravensburger, opened at Dresden Central Station.

Coburg central station was named Station of the Year by the Pro-Rail Alliance in 2022. The holistically enhanced station was particularly impressive due to its outstanding comfort, exceptional design and well-thought-through functionality for passengers.

Passengers at six Munich stations, Berlin Ostbahnhof and Hanover central station, receive fresh, healthy food from a smart vending machine under the Zugvogel brand. Thus, we are testing an additional range of stations where many commuters are on the move and micro-areas are available.