Deutsche Bahn reduces seats: ICE affected from Dresden to Wiesbaden!

Deutsche Bahn reduces seats: ICE affected from Dresden to Wiesbaden!

Deutsche Bahn (DB) has made a drastic decision that will affect many travelers in long -distance transport. From June 15, 2025, shorter trains will be used on the popular ICE line from Dresden via Leipzig, Erfurt and Frankfurt to Wiesbaden. This means that the seat capacity is noticeably reduced. The background is the gradual pattern of the old series 415 (ICE T), which, after over 25 years, not only has become prone to interference, but also maintenance -intensive. This is reported by the Sächsische .

As the DB itself indicates, the trains have so far been operated as double trains, now exclusively the 411 series will be in use with about 370 seats. However, the train does not see any acute utilization problems because the trains have so far rarely been fully utilized. It is also important to mention that these changes should only be temporary; From autumn 2026, travelers can look forward to modernized ICE 1 trains with around 500 seats.

regional focus and alternative options

On a section from Leipzig to Frankfurt, long ICE 4 trains are running for additional comfort. For travelers between Frankfurt and Erfurt, additional trains are also available as alternative options. The railway has interesting options, especially for night owls: the seasonal EC 259 towards Prague at 0:07 a.m. and the EC 258 at 10:53 p.m. to Berlin. The former IC 2275 from Berlin to Dresden is already being used.

Despite these measures, there is a lot of criticism of the planned reduction in the offer on the important connection. Michael Koch from the Pro Bahn passenger association was concerned that the trains were often overcrowded and that the continued demand for long -distance trains cannot be met. However, the railway asserts that Dresden remains well connected, with around 60 long -distance trains per day.

fleet rejuvenation in focus

The DB has set itself the goal of reducing the average age of its ICE and IC trains from the current 18 to 12 years. This "fleet strategy" aims to increase reliability in long -distance transport and to minimize the number of drive disorders. However, the Pro Bahn passenger association expresses concerns that the retirement of old trains could lead too little space on certain routes. In April 2023, 14 older ICE 3 and 10 ICE T were removed from the company, and a further 30 ICE 2 trains are planned to follow by the end of 2027.

currently Deutsche Bahn has put 137 new ICE 4 trains into operation, which are equipped with at least 444 seats and can reach speeds of up to 265 km/h. In addition, the delivery of the new edition ICE 3 NEO will continue, where a total of 90 units are expected by 2028. These new models even offer better conditions for mobile reception, which should be important for many passengers. Nevertheless, it should be noted that over a third of the long -distance trains still arrive late, which raises questions about many travelers, whether the new fleet will really solve these problems, such as the Tagesspiegel and RND Report.

Overall, it remains to be seen how the new fleet strategy will affect travelers and whether the promised improvements actually arrive in practice. One thing is certain: the topic of long -distance traffic will deal with the discussions among travelers and those responsible for Deutsche Bahn even longer.