The railway company is testing a cashless bistro service starting in February. Card payments have long been common in the hospitality industry, and half of all payments on Deutsche Bahn trains are already cashless. This change reduces logistical efforts and eases the workload for staff.
The railway is taking a step further by planning to eliminate cash in ICE train bistros, albeit on a trial basis. Between February and May 2025, the railway will test cashless operations on six routes. You can check online to see which trains are affected. The routes will be marked accordingly in the DB Navigator and on Bahn.de.
In addition to using the DB Navigator app for information on routes, delays, or potential train delays, there is an online service called Banvorhersage.de. Geoinformatics student Theo Döllmann analyzed about a billion train stops to train an AI. This AI evaluates train connections based on average delays per month, throughout the day, or by train type, and makes predictions about the reliability of these routes.
The European Federation for Transport and Environment (T&E) examined 27 European railway companies. They assessed criteria such as ticket prices, reliability, travel experience, and special fares. Deutsche Bahn secured third place in comfort but scored poorly in punctuality, with only the Portuguese railway scoring lower.
For those looking to get more out of the DB Navigator app, there are tips available to enhance the user experience. These tips can help travelers make the most of the available features and improve their journey.
In summary, the railway company is moving towards a cashless system in its bistros, aiming to streamline operations and improve efficiency. Meanwhile, tools like Banvorhersage.de offer insights into train reliability, and the DB Navigator app provides useful tips for travelers. The European railway comparison highlights areas where Deutsche Bahn excels and where it needs improvement, offering a comprehensive view of its standing in the industry.