Deutsche Bahn Plans Seat Increase Amid Confusion Over Seat Reduction Claims

Deutsche Bahn has firmly refuted a report by the magazine 'Spiegel' that claimed the company intended to eliminate 21,000 seats in long-distance transport. The railway operator clarified that the number of available seats for passengers is projected to increase by 2036, contradicting the report that suggested a reduction from 265,000 to 244,000 seats. The focus of the alleged cuts would particularly impact Intercity trains, with nearly half of the current 55,000 seats potentially being removed. Furthermore, many ICE train models, such as the ICE3 and ICE-T, were reported to face decommissioning or sale.

Deutsche Bahn emphasized that its fleet strategy aims to modernize and rejuvenate its train offerings, ensuring a more stable operation. The company intends to phase out older, less reliable trains that require frequent maintenance, thereby increasing the number of seats available for passengers in the coming years, especially for ICE services. Despite the report's claims, Deutsche Bahn reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a comprehensive transportation service across the network, highlighting its dedication to passenger needs.

In parallel, a study from the Association of German Transport Companies (VDV) has indicated that significant additional funding is necessary to secure a future-ready local transport system. The VDV outlined two funding scenarios that entail either 1.44 billion euros annually for modernization or 3.36 billion euros for an enhanced service offering. The association calls for increased financial support from both federal and state levels to achieve a robust and efficient public transport system.