Digitalization and innovation
Holistic development
In 2025, DB InfraGO continued to transform stations into stations of the future. The focus is on the comprehensive modernization of stations to enhance their appeal and efficiency. By the end of December 2025, 124 stations had been completed as “stations of the future.” In total, 237 stations were developed into “stations of the future” in 2024 and 2025.
Digitalization of infrastructure
With the establishment of the new Digital Infrastructure and Communications Technology division at DB InfraGO AG, the merger of DB Kommunikationstechnik GmbH and the transfer of the Planning and Acceptance Testing division from DB Engineering & Consulting GmbH to DB InfraGO AG, the consolidation of all expertise for the digitalization of the track infrastructure and the adjustment of Digital Rail for Germany (Digitale Schiene Deutschland; DSD) was completed in 2025. As part of a strategic realignment, five key focus areas were defined: the digitalization of the core infrastructure, the modernization of interlockings, the installation of ETCS on the track infrastructure, close coordination with ERTMS vehicle equipment and the further development of future technologies with a medium-term impact (e.g. ATO GoA 2).
In the summer of 2025, the ETCS migration strategy published in April 2024 was withdrawn because the sector did not consider it feasible to equip the vehicles with ETCS within the proposed timeframe, and there were also uncertainties regarding Government funding for the infrastructure. The ETCS migration strategy is now being updated in collaboration with the Federal Government and the sector.
The ETCS implementation projects already underway continued unchanged in 2025. For example, ETCS Level 2 was implemented on the new North Sea — Rhine — Mediterranean corridor on an about 80 km line section between Gundelfingen and Haltingen (Rhine Valley Railway). Progress has also been made in the digitalization of interlockings: on the line between Halle (Saale) and Bitterfeld, the final work on the command and control technology has been completed. These form the basis for the upcoming ETCS installation.
The rollout of FRMCS picked up pace in 2025. The first phase has been initiated. It marks the start of the migration from GSM-R to FRMCS and, with it, the modernization of operational processes. In addition, as part of the Hamburg — Berlin corridor modernization, work has begun on installing the passive radio infrastructure for FRMCS along the track. There was also a world premiere at our digital test bed with the first commercial 5G network in the 1,900 MHz band, which went live in September 2025. Practical solutions using FRMCS are now becoming increasingly feasible.
At the Stuttgart Digital Hub, key components of the interlocking and the networks for the core hub were put into operation and high-speed test runs were conducted. The tender procedure for infrastructure in the surrounding area (module 3) has begun and is now well underway. As of December 31, 2025, 60 S-Bahn (metro) multiple units were equipped with ETCS and other technology. An approval had been requested for ten additional multiple units. Until the ETCS infrastructure is fully installed, they will initially resume passenger service without ETCS.
As part of the Automated Train collaboration project, DB Group is working with eight partners to assess the technical feasibility of driverless train provisioning and stabling operations, as well as the automatic coupling and uncoupling of trains. In 2025, the two test vehicles (a Mireo from Siemens Mobility and a 430 series train from the Stuttgart S-Bahn (metro)) were converted and the system was put into service. The first test drives with the modified vehicles were conducted by the end of 2025.
Station forecourt and onward mobility
Since the previous year, DB InfraGO has been working through its “Competence Center for Station Forecourts and Onward Mobility” to promote the holistic development of station surroundings. The aim is to develop site-specific forecourts together with municipalities, Federal states and contracting organizations that make a positive contribution to urban and neighborhood development. An interdisciplinary team provides advice on suitable funding options, develops concepts and assists with securing land use permits. In addition to coordinating onward mobility options and enhancing the appeal of public spaces, the Climate Resilience Center incorporates measures such as soil unsealing and water retention into its forecourt designs. By 2025, the center of excellence had handled about 200 projects.
At the same time, standardized processes for cooperating with municipalities – particularly regarding land-use planning– are being established. In doing so, DB InfraGO is strengthening its focus on providing municipal consulting services for station forecourts while also implementing projects from its established product portfolio in the areas of onward mobility, quality of stay and logistics.
The Bike+Ride initiative helps municipalities across the country to create additional weather-protected and secure bicycle parking spaces at train stations. More than 1,000 municipalities have registered to cooperate since the program launched in 2019. Since 2019, more than 25,000 new spaces have been put into service at about 300 stations. New prefabricated bicycle lock-up facilities have been added to the product line. Through the Information Center for Bicycle Parking at Train Stations, we have also advised over 160 municipalities on the planning and implementation of bicycle parking facilities at train stations since 2021.
With the DB Rad+ app, cyclists can redeem the kilometers they have cycled for discounts and rewards at partner stores. The service was expanded nationwide in September 2025. The data collected anonymously and in aggregate form via the app makes it possible to improve the local cycling infrastructure in and around the station.
Capacity and frequency management
Capacity management is of great importance for the long-term performance capability of stations. The goal is to take appropriate measures to prepare the stations for the growing number of passengers. The framework is provided by the service concept for the Germany in Sync (Deutschland-Takt) plan, which is based on the Federal Government’s 2040 passenger forecast. Since 2021, more than 450 stations have been analyzed using a capacity assessment. As a result, capacitive obstacles and bottlenecks were systematically identified and measures to address them were implemented. By implementing a standardized layout system on all platforms, the aim is to make better use of existing space and distribute passengers more evenly across the platforms.
In addition, a frequency management system (FQM) is being rolled out at 100 stations to identify capacity bottlenecks. Real-time video monitoring allows for the early detection of increases in passenger volumes, enabling appropriate measures to be taken to prevent acute overcrowding. The video data is used to develop long-term measures or to verify their effectiveness. This helps to avoid costly construction projects. In 2025, 18 stations had been equipped with FQM, bringing the total to 64.
WiFi at stations
At the end of 2025, free WiFi was available at more than 600 stations. This offer is realized both through DB Group’s own WiFi installations and through WiFi networks of cooperation partners. This means that WiFi services at stations reach more than half of all passengers every day. In the second half of 2025, another concession agreement was awarded to a partner, enabling the installation of WiFi at additional, primarily smaller stations and stopping points on favorable terms in cooperation with municipalities and contracting organizations.
Expansion of online channels
The bahnhof.de website provides passengers with non-discriminatory and fully accessible information about stations, such as the travel and mobility options available there, as well as the facilities and services offered. In particular, the current departure board for each station is available in real time at any time. Further measures significantly improved the website in 2025:
- With the location feature, users can more easily find nearby stations, including departure times, facilities and services.
- The car sequence makes it easy to find the right rail car, including its facilities.
- The introduction of the trip details feature provides all stop and real-time information.
- Improving digital accessibility.
Digital model of stations
As part of the ongoing digitalization of stations, the digital model consolidates information from the operational environment and supports selected work processes. The goal of the project is to develop and utilize a 3D visualization platform. The digital model of stations sets a standard for working with 3D models, from storage and visualization to their use in specialized processes such as construction, operations and marketing. With the implementation of the platform in 2025, a key component of the digital transformation of the stations was established. It enables the consistent and scalable use of spatial and operational data across all locations. Digital models are already available for about 150 stations and can be used for operational purposes across the network. Two of the many examples are on-site employee training and the identification and resolution of equipment defects. In addition to the automated creation of digital models from high-resolution scans, 360° images can also be used to facilitate remote site inspections.
Publication of infrastructure data (OpenStation interface)
Through the Data4PoM (Data for Points of Mobility) project, which is funded by the Modernity Fund (mFUND), DB InfraGO is making a contribution to public transport that serves the public good. The goal is to create a standardized, machine-readable database of public transport stops in Germany. Key elements include the standardized stop ID (DHID) and the specification of an open OpenStation interface, which enables cross-industry data exchange and utilization. This ensures that mobility-related features, such as elevators and accessible routes, are made available standardized and up to date. To this end, the European NeTEx standard is being implemented in a practical manner and its use within the sector is being promoted. The publication of the data via the Mobilithek national access point makes it available for use across industries – particularly for accessible travel and digital mobility services. The technical interface was released in the second half of 2025.