Digitalization and innovation

Digitalization at DB Long-Distance is particularly geared towards providing our passengers with easy access to our mobility services, supporting our employees in their day-to-day work and reducing downtime for our trains, thereby enabling more and more punctual journeys. The following selected measures help to achieve this:

• Centralization of steering-related data for efficient processing within DB Long-Distance.
• User-centric enhancement of digital sales channels.
• Optimization of connectivity on board trains.
• Expansion of digital services on board trains as a contribution to sustainability and promotion of environmental protection.
• Support for employees in all areas in the transformation to the digital working environment with respective programs and a greater focus on the user experience of digital applications.
• Use of AI in long-distance transport.

The following progress was made in 2025:

• DB Navigator: Integrated everyday mobility continued to advance in 2025. The DB Navigator has a new “Nearby” menu area that provides direct access to mobility options in the surrounding area, including stops and available bicycles and scooters from sharing services. The bahn.de website and the DB Navigator app have been made more accessible in accordance with the requirements of the EU Directive on the Accessibility Improvement Act. There have also been successes with a European dimension: the technical implementation of the Open Sales and Distribution Model (OSDM) as a European standard means that many international connections can now be booked directly via the digital sales channels.
• On-board WiFi (WIFIonICE): ICE 3neo and ICE L trains are fitted with connectivity systems as standard. Powerful 5G routers provide passengers with high-performance and stable Internet access via on-board WiFi. The ongoing mobile radio expansion along the lines is thus optimally utilized. The expansion of these systems to the ICE 4 fleet is planned for 2026.
• Use of AI: In 2025, projects were implemented to improve AI-based passenger information and provide better decision-making support for DB Long-Distance employees (e.g. when entering reasons for delays or making connection decisions), among other things. AI-supported tools were also introduced for the software development process and day-to-day knowledge management.
• Intelligent traffic management: A new, modern system with a focus on automation and user centricity was introduced in November 2025 and will replace the old system by the end of 2026. The new system simplifies the day-to-day work of our dispatchers and thus improves the provision of information to passengers.
• Modern working environments: The implementation of modern and user-centered applications and platforms improves everyday working life, such as through the enhancement of existing apps or the development of new apps. One example is the “Digital Schedule” project, which went into regular operation in 2025 and provides traction unit drivers with simplified access to all relevant schedule data thanks to an integrated digital application.