The ICE-L train has a newly designed interior, with more storage space for luggage and bicycles, as well as real-time passenger information. Photo: dpa
German state-owned railway operator Deutsche Bahn (DB) has revealed more details of the 23 new easy-access long-distance trains it is buying from Spain in a bid to make rail travel more user-friendly.
The new ICE-L is Germany’s first long-distance high-speed train with lower floors for easy access, hence the “L” in the name. The trains are lighter and use less energy than equivalent older rolling stock.
DB put the total cost for the trains at €550mil (RM2.7bil). The order was placed earlier this year.
The ICE-L has a newly designed interior, with more storage space for luggage and bicycles, as well as real-time passenger information.
DB’s current long-distance trains have been criticised for their lack of room for bicycles, with only a limited number of services able to accommodate bikes at all.
The seats in the ICE-L are said to be more comfortable and there are three spaces per carriage plus electrically adjustable tables for wheelchair users. Both Wifi signal and cell phone reception have been boosted.
The new train can accommodate 562 seated passengers, 477 of them in second class, which includes a separate toddler and family area with play space for children and 46 places for family members.
Unlike DB’s German-made high-speed trains, the new ICE-L is built by maker Talgo in Spain, with each set made up of a lead locomotive and 17 carriages.
While the ICE-L is slower than DB’s trademark bullet-nosed express trains, it can still hit a top speed of 230kph.
The express trains will be first used on the international service between Berlin and Amsterdam from October next year. From 2026, they will also haul tourists to Oberstdorf in Bavaria and the German North Sea holiday island of Sylt.
The multi-system locomotives eliminate the need to change motive power at the national border which should speed up cross-border connections by around 30 minutes.
Amid the launch of the Spanish-built trains, the average age of the ICE fleet is set to drop from 18 years at present to 12 years by 2030.
“DB will undergo a comprehensive rejuvenation in the coming years,” said long-distance transport director Michael Peterson. “This year, we will be receiving an average of three new ICE trains per month.” – dpa
