© DB AG / Faruk Hosseini

Next stop: the future

As part of our Station of the Future project, we are using 16 locations around Germany to test innovative solutions for enhancing our customer services and promoting new ideas for eco-friendly onward travel.

DB is supporting the plans with funding in the region of EUR 17 million. Our goal is twofold: we want to provide innovative services for better passenger information, and we also want to make our stations more attractive and sustainable so that they are more enjoyable places for spending time. Improvements include wifi systems, new short-use work stations and sustainable shopping options, as well as the exclusive use of renewable energy to power all 16 of our future-focused stations.

We are testing different measures and services at each station:

More climate protection, less food waste

In Wolfsburg, for example, the station garden offers customers seats surrounded by plants, and the entrance hall features a moss-covered wall (measuring 34 square metres) that enhances the indoor climate at the station. Over in Berlin, we are doing our bit to reduce food waste: a vending machine at Bornholmer Strasse station only sells food that has been "saved" from being thrown away. Prices are reduced by up to 80 percent. The machine is our way of keeping excess food and items out of the rubbish before they reach their ultimate use-by dates.

Innovative bicycle service for our customers

Other stations of the future feature additional bike stands, charging stations for e-bikes and free mobile repair stations. The goal here is to make it easier for customers to switch between rail and two-wheel transport.

At several stations of the future, such as in Ahrensburg, we’ve launched "DB Rad+". With the app bike riders can track the number of kilometers they’ve pedaled and then cash it in with participating partners. This program encourages more people to ride bikes in the city while supporting local partners and service providers at the same time.

We are testing two automated bike parking facilities at our station of the future in Halle (Saale). The multi-storey units keep commuters' bikes safe and protect them from the weather.

Solar seats for spending time and recharging mobile phones

Two "solar benches" have been installed outside Halle (Saale) station, offering the city's residents the opportunity to charge their mobile phones while they take a break.

Another smart idea: the Too Good to Go app lets residents order unsold groceries from participating shops at the station and buy them at a discount shortly before closing time.

Virtual green tour at the train station

Anyone waiting for a train at Halle (Saale) station can make time go faster and have a bit of fun exploring the station while learning more about selected This is green. activities. Travellers can use their smartphones to scan QR codes on posters at five locations and so access the information at each stop on this green tour. 

Start exploring this environmental experience here (only available in German)

Free drinking water and wildflower meadows for more biodiversity

Another new thing at Ahrensburg station is a drinking water dispenser we have set up in partnership with HAMBURG WASSER. In the station building, people traveling can help themselves to water, filling bottles and cups free of charge.

We are also testing intelligent bins that automatically separate litter. Renningen station offers butterflies a new home: we have created a meadow of flowers as a way to promote biodiversity.