Actions (S4-4)
In 2025, the focus was on improving passenger information by improving the provision of reliable, consistent and guiding information, especially in disruption situations. Reliability refers in particular to the correctness of data on stop cancellations, track changes and delay forecasts in our information systems, while consistency refers to the deviation of information between the platform display, DB Navigator and train channels. Guiding information for customers helps to reduce uncertainty and enable individual solutions to problems. This may include information on the current situation, specific recommendations or practicable alternatives. The continuous development of our passenger information systems is a core element of our strategy to improve customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
The central component of this system landscape is the passenger information platform, which acts as a data platform for mobility data. The passenger information platform processes the data from the TOCs and rail infrastructure companies and makes it available to the customer channels as a single source of truth. In addition to the customer channels, data from the passenger information platform flows into other applications, including a wide range of API (application programming interface) services for data exchange, car sequence information, map functionalities, applications for employees, the AI-supported calculation of arrival, departure and transfer forecasts and various passenger information systems.
All of the measures described below are aimed at improving passenger information, especially for rail transport passengers in Germany.
In 2025, funds of about € 16 million were available for the implementation of measures and the preparation of further measures for 2026 and 2027. In addition, human resources are involved through collaboration and cooperation with representatives from all business units. About € 16 million will also be available annually in the medium term for the implementation of the 2026 and 2027 measures.
The effectiveness and target achievement of the measures is tracked and evaluated through the quantitative measurement of customer satisfaction and the qualitative review of the completion of the planned measures.
Implementation coordination and monitoring took place in 2025 as part of the “Informing passengers” overarching process and the “Passenger information” S3 project.
In 2025, improvements were made to the functions and the presentation of deviations and alternatives in the digital sales channels. All of the measures planned for 2025 were implemented. These included, for example, the presentation of alternatives in pre-carriage and onward carriage, improving the search for alternatives through search options, guiding and comprehensible communication of disruptions, for example planned schedule changes, and optimizing information texts, for example on alternative stops and changing trains at the same station.
In 2025, further progress was made with DB InfraGO’s “Passenger information of the future” project with the rollout of the new, central passenger information system (IRIS+). Combined with the passenger information platform, this system provides information for passengers at about 800 stations.
In 2025, central operations, operational preparation and the customer-oriented further development of passenger information were bundled in a single organizational unit. In this way, we are implementing a unified strategic target image for passenger information, improving coordination and decision-making processes, creating consistent points of contact for stakeholders and improving customer information at each of our stations.
High-performance devices form the basis of our passenger information. At about 4,500 small stations, a new generation of multi-line dynamic visual displays (dynamischer Schriftanzeiger; DSA+) is replacing the single-line displays. Another new feature is an accessible button for additional voice output. About 1,800 new devices were installed in 2025. This means that about 2,800 DSA+ devices are now installed at the stations in total. The replacement of all 7,000 devices is expected to be completed by mid-2028 at the latest. At the same time, the rollout of the digital display for schedule changes due to construction work will continue. By the end of 2025, a total of about 1,950 of these new devices had been installed nationwide.
Modern, multicolored train information monitors are being installed at stations in big cities, hub stations and urban S-Bahn (metro) stations. About 1,000 train information monitors were installed in 2025, including the first about 40 large-format LED train panels in concourse buildings such as Berlin Central Station. The displays have been optimized for better readability, with a larger font (about +30 %) for destinations, departure times and train numbers, a revised structure and harmonized pictograms and texts. Pixel typography improves the sharpness and calmness of the typeface. Colored train designations are being piloted for better orientation. Key information is presented in two languages. The new LED technology increases visibility in sunlight and reduces energy consumption.
DB InfraGO is employing a consistent digital and analog information concept for substitute transport in the context of the corridor modernizations. In order to provide passengers with reliable, comprehensible and proactive information, e-paper displays with real-time data and a read-aloud function are used at busy locations. In addition, relevant information, live maps and bus location data can be accessed in combined form using a QR code. Consistent, multilingual and accessible analog signs provide orientation on site. The mobility service provides targeted support for individual needs and engages in a dialog with the bus company.
Preparations for the replacement of DB Group TOCs previous dispatching systems with improved systems continued in 2025. The aim is to enable passenger information to be entered more efficiently and to support dispatchers in the focused and efficient processing of necessary trip-related adjustments, thus increasing the timeliness of information availability. The preparations were implemented in 2025, including the first productive deployments. The final replacement will take place gradually until 2027 and is scheduled to begin in 2026.
Passenger information is a focus area of the new immediate action programs that were launched at the start of 2026. Among other things, the portfolio of measures for 2026 includes:
- Improvements to the functions and displays in the digital sales channels (bahn.de/DB Navigator) through more comprehensible and guiding information on deviations and alternatives, taking into account the operational situation.
- Optimization of input data for the channels through more precise delay forecasts and quicker input of stop cancellations.
- Actions to reduce technical runtimes and thus harmonize the times at which information is provided.