Rail customers are often traveling in wagons that are decades old.The average Intercity car was 32 years old last year, ICE trains had an average of 19 years under their belt, as the Federal Government's response to a request from the FDP in the Bundestag shows.As a result, new trains are increasingly rejuvenating the fleet.Up until five years ago, the average age of the Intercity wagons had risen to 36 years, because the railway had largely saved itself on new purchases.But since then the age has been falling.There are also signs of a trend reversal for the ICE.In 2018, at 20, they had reached the highest average age in the past decade.The railway has 303 ICE trains, nine Intercity multiple units, 238 Intercity locomotives and 1,338 matching cars.It is going through the largest growth program in its history.According to the company, twelve billion euros will flow into the long-distance vehicle fleet by 2026.Half of the amount goes to the major order for the ICE4, of which 59 have been delivered according to government information.In 2025 there should be 137.A further 30 high-speed trains, which were ordered in July, will also be delivered.At the same time, the intercity fleet is growing.
"Driven too long for wear and tear"
But the old trains should also keep rolling.For the second time, Deutsche Bahn is modernizing its first-generation ICE trains.Some of them have been on the move since the railroad entered high-speed traffic in 1991.And they should hold out for at least ten years.Because the railway needs every seat, it wants to double the number of long-distance passengers.Intercity trains from the 1970s and 1980s are also being refurbished.You will get new seats, toilets and markings.By the end of 2021 there should also be WiFi in all intercity trains, and one year earlier in the double-decker intercities."For too long the rolling stock was driven to wear and tear - with a corresponding maintenance effort," said the FDP chairman in the transport committee, Torsten Herbst."In some old IC cars, passengers almost feel like they are in a railway museum."The average age of trains must decrease noticeably.