ICE 4 begins regular passenger service in Germany

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Photo: Deutsche Bahn AG / Claus Weber.
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Germany’s new generation of intercity trains have entered regular passenger service.

Five ICE 4 trains are now in service between Hamburg and Munich and Hamburg and Stuttgart after completing a year-long period of testing.

By next summer, there will be nine ICE 4 trains in service. This will increase to 119 trains by 2023.

In December 2018, the ICE 4 will go into operation on the new Berlin-Munich corridor.

The new fleet, which began regular service on December 10, is being built by Siemens and will be supplied in 12 and seven-car formations.

Deutsche Bahn (DB) has described the ICE 4 as the “backbone” of its expanding long-distance service. By 2030, DB hopes to have increased the number of long-distance services it offers by 25 per cent.

Birgit Bohle, chairwoman of the management board of DB Fernverkehr AG, said: “The ICE 4 is the new flagship for our long-distance routes and sets standards for our passengers: Plenty of storage space for luggage, an elegant restaurant and an innovative lighting concept ensure a high level of comfort for passengers.

“This is the first ICE on which passengers can take their bicycles. Thanks to a completely revamped family area and parent-and-child compartment, we’re making journeys even more relaxing for families.”

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