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EXCITING NEWS: Deutsche Bahn presents the first step-free ICE!

EXCITING NEWS: Deutsche Bahn presents the first step-free ICE!
foto: Deutsche Bahn/Gonzalo Urquijo Fernández de Araoz, CEO Talgo (left) and Dr. Michael Peterson.
16 / 09 / 2022

Deutsche Bahn (DB) presented the first car of the new ICE L in Berlin on September 14th. The train, made by Spanish manufacturer Talgo, sets new standards in accessibility: thanks to its step-free access, passengers in wheelchairs can board and disembark the ICE L without assistance for the first time. But all other passengers, for example, those with large suitcases, baby carriages, or bicycles, also benefit from the level of access. Starting in fall 2024, 23 ICE L trains - the L stands for "low floor" - will gradually strengthen DB's long-distance fleet. The trains will first be used on the Berlin-Amsterdam line. In 2026, the trains will also run on tourist services to Sylt and Oberstdorf.

Dr. Michael Peterson, DB Board Member for Long-Distance Passenger Transportation: "Step-free boarding on the ICE L sets new standards. It makes rail travel even easier and more comfortable for all passengers. And with the new interior design in the ICE, there is a living room atmosphere on the rails for the first time."

Gonzalo Urquijo Fernández de Araoz, CEO of Talgo: "These new generation trains will strengthen DB's offering and are part of a completely new standard set by what we at Talgo believe is the most demanding customer in the global rail market. It is a paradigm shift in passenger transport that Deutsche Bahn is heralding with the new ICE L, which will become a benchmark in the dynamic European market."

The 230 km/h fast and 256 m long ICE L consists of 17 passenger coaches, including control cars and a multi-system locomotive. It also makes cross-border operations possible. It also offers space for even more travelers: The 562 seats are divided into 85 1st class seats and 477 2nd class seats.

In addition, travelers can enjoy the usual ICE comfort. In addition to the new ICE interior design, this includes, for example, comfortable, completely newly developed seats, a particularly powerful WLAN, windows permeable to mobile communications, plenty of space for families with children, a restaurant car, eight bicycle stands, and passenger information with real-time data.

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