Digitalization and innovation

Passenger information of the future

As part of the renewal of passenger information facilities, a new central management and publication system (IRIS+) was developed. In combination with the passenger information (RI) platform, this system is used to display information for passengers at the station. The new systems enable consistent passenger information across all output channels and more detailed content. At the end of June 2024, more than 700 stations were converted to the RI platform and IRIS+, and the new systems for travel information were also used additionally at about 100 other stations.

In addition to switching stations to IRIS+, innovations in the displayed customer information were also prepared and introduced, for example, the use of colors in the event of train cancellations and track changes, and the introduction of an energy-saving mode that results in the backlight (for new displays) being switched off if there is no train traffic.

At the same time, in the context of passenger information, preparations are underway to introduce the new systems at smaller stations: the next generation of the dynamic visual display (Dynamischer Schriftanzeiger; DSA+) at the station will, in future, also be controlled via the new passenger information platform and IRIS+. All about 6,800 displays are therefore being replaced across Germany. About 600 of the new-generation displays have already been installed. This rollout will continue. Since June 2024, the DSA+ devices have been equipped with an additional customer display, which displays current timetable changes as well as further information (Digital Construction Information; Digitaler Aushang Bau (DAB)).

Realignment of online channels

The realignment of the online channels via the main channel bahnhof.de has been further advanced in order to give passengers better orientation before and during their journey. To this end, even more data was integrated from the local public transport systems for comprehensive information on onward mobility at the station and this was designed to be intuitively filterable. The digital channels will be more closely linked to the information in the station. From now on, QR codes, for example, show if there is a replacement service or timetable changes to the current content. Linking the haptic information on-site with the digital space can remove barriers by offering the information in different languages or reading it digitally for visually impaired people. In addition, faster update cycles are possible and the logistics costs for paper displays are significantly reduced.

Railway Stations of the Future

The integrated development of stations continues to pick up speed in 2024. In order to ensure efficient, customer-focused and sustainable access to rail and to contribute toward transport policy targets, stations must be developed holistically together with the Government, the Federal states and local authorities into future-proof stations, the stations of the future. Redesigned interiors, attractive and adequately sized seating, advanced guidance systems and attractive forecourts are some of the aspects that are important for creating stations where people feel comfortable. The target is to implement 100 stations of the future by the end of 2024, 20 of which will be part of the general modernization of the Riedbahn.

Anchoring the concourse buildings in the Federal Rail Infrastructure Extension Act

Concourse buildings form an essential building block for the holistic functionality and appearance of the passenger stations. The amendment to the Federal Rail Infrastructure Extension Act basically enables the entire financing and eligibility of the modernization measures in or at the station buildings, so that they can meet their traffic and urban planning requirements. The renovation of purely commercial space is not eligible for financing. With this amendment, the legal framework for a consistent further development of the station buildings, and thus also for a powerful and attractive design of the stations, has now been created.

Forecourt Expertise Center

DB InfraGO has been working since 2024 to implement the demands of the stations of the future in the station environment with the Station Forecourt Expertise Center. The target is to develop, in collaboration with municipalities, Federal states and contracting organizations, location-specific forecourts that make a positive contribution to urban and district development. An interdisciplinary team advises on suitable funding, develops concepts on the basis of analy­ses of potential and supports the design of areas.

Innovative offers at the station

DB InfraGO’s pop-up system is constantly testing new concepts to cater for the needs of passengers at the station. Innovative product ranges are tested by regularly changing partners. For example, the children’s learning start-up edurino was able to assert itself as a new attractive offer for families at Berlin’s central station. With digital learning opportunities, especially for children aged four to eight, it creates a mix of variety and education – also helping to keep children occupied while traveling by train.

Expansion of cooperation with the Bahnhofsmissionen (train station welfare centers)

The train station welfare centers are an important partner in the station social space at 100 locations. DB InfraGO makes the premises available to the non-profit organization free of charge and assumes the ancillary expenses. In order to strengthen and coordinate support for the train station welfare centers by DB InfraGO and six other group units, the “Strong Station Welfare Centers” action group was launched in April 2024. The aim is to implement measures in infrastructure, finance and human resources areas to support the train station welfare centers.