Markets and strategy

At the heart of the strategy of DB Long-Distance is the long-term growth path of the Strong Rail strategy aimed at promoting the shift in the mode of transport to climate- friendly rail transport. The main goal remains to double volume sold compared to the year 2015 to more than 70 bil­­lion pkm per year. In addition to connecting regions, the further development of offers focuses on more international services and more ICE Sprinter and transfer-free direct connections in Germany.

At the same time, the framework conditions in the long-distance market have changed significantly due to inflation and changes in travel behavior, for example as a result of working from home and the Germany-Ticket. In addition, 2024 was characterized by a poor operational situation. Reasons for this included numerous construction works and severe weather conditions such as the storm Radha. To return to the target path of the Strong Rail strategy despite the changed framework conditions and to offer an attractive and economical service again, DB Long-Distance has initiated a comprehensive performance and transformation program as part of the S3 restructuring program. In the future, resources will be deployed in an even more focused manner where they offer the greatest benefit for passengers. The core targets are improving profitability and stabilizing ope­ra­­tions. DB Long-Distance is helping to improve punctuality mainly through vehicles that are less prone to failure and resilient operational concepts. To increase profitability, we aim to reduce capital employed and increase personnel productivity, among other things. By way of its contribution to the S3 re­structuring program, DB Long-Distance wants to create the conditions so as to continue the growth path of the Strong Rail strategy.

• More robust: To enable more traffic in the future, DB Long-Distance is focusing on the vehicle fleet and maintenance capacities of the depots. In February 2024, the acceptance of the ICE 4 fleet was completed. A further eight ICE 3neo vehicles were accepted. Since June 2024, the ICE 3neo has been used in cross-border transport to Belgium and the Netherlands. The necessary maintenance capacities are to be ensured by expanding the existing depots in Hamburg and Berlin and building a new depot in Dortmund, among other things. In addition, innovative technologies such as camera detection, for example, are to be used. Employee acquisition, qualification and reten­tion, particularly in operational and service-critical positions, also continue to play an important role.
• More powerful: Improved processes are intended to provide all long-distance trains with high-quality equipment and at competitive costs. Production is being further digi­talized and optimized with the goal of increasing vehicle availability and quality. Since 2024, a joint project with DB Regional and DB Systel has been testing the application “Digital Schedule” for the digital support of multiple unit drivers, which is to be implemented in 2025. Work also continued on projects aimed at improving processes in traffic control centers and maintenance depots in the long term, thereby contributing to increasing reliability, punctuality and vehicle availability.
• More modern: DB Long-Distance strives for a flexible, reliable and high-frequency network in line with Germany in sync. DB Long-Distance aims to create attractive and competitive offers by expanding its lines, increasing frequencies and shortening travel times. Through the expansion and the continuous modernization of the fleet, the vehicle availability of the ICE fleet is also to be increased in the long-term. New direct connections such as Berlin — Paris enable faster and more comfortable journeys. The new interior design in the ICE 3neo and other new details, such as the real-time occupancy display, have further improved the travel experience. The DB Navigator has also in 2024 been continuously developed. In addition, the extension of the booking period to 12 months offers passengers greater planning security. The modernization of lounges and travel centers at the station continues. In 2024, the second travel center with a new, innovative concept was opened in Nuremberg. Other locations are already being converted. The new interior design was honored with the German Design Award 2024.
• Greener: Environmental and climate protection are a matter of course for DB Long-Distance. Since 2018, DB Long-Distance trains have been running on all electrified lines in Germany with 100% eco-power  No. 1, which was recertified by TÜV in 2024. Our new maintenance depots  No. 48 operate in a more climate-friendly way, including through use of geo­­­thermal and photovoltaic systems. Further measures for more sustainability such as the CO₂ disclosure  No. 23 on bahn.de and in the BahnBonus app accompany these activities.