Over the next few weeks, more people will be traveling by train. So that they do not have to have a queasy feeling in the Corona crisis, Deutsche Bahn is increasing the number of cleaning staff.
Berlin (dpa) - In times of the corona pandemic, Deutsche Bahn wants to do more for hygiene and cleanliness in trains and at train stations. To this end, the federally owned group plans to double the number of cleaning staff on long-distance trains to 500 by July, the company said.
The Funke media group had previously reported. In August, 600 of these "on-the-go cleaners" will then be used in the ICE and IC trains, it said. A total of 4,300 employees nationwide are responsible for cleaning in vehicles and at train stations.
"We can only protect ourselves against the corona virus together," Berthold Huber said. "Train travel is safe."
Clean contact areas
The focus of cleaning is now on the so-called contact surfaces, i.e. door handles, handles and handrails. Washrooms and toilets were also included. Ticket machines and snack machines in particular are cleaned particularly frequently at train stations.
Long-distance trains are therefore cleaned when they are made available in the factories and every two hours during the journey. Regional trains "are cleaned on average three times a day," it said. "Also more common on lines with many travelers."
According to its own statements, Deutsche Bahn spends a high three-digit million amount each year on hygiene and cleaning, "which will be increased even further this year".
With the opening of restaurants and hotels in many federal states, the trains are likely to become fuller again - especially on the upcoming two long weekends. Passenger numbers had plummeted during the crisis. The railroad had hardly reduced its train offer. In regional transport in particular, capacities are now being brought back up to the pre-crisis level.
With the campaign, Deutsche Bahn is also promoting safety on the trains. The environmental protection organization Greenpeace expects that many people will continue to avoid public transport due to fear of infection and will instead take the car.
Disinfect hands and wear mask
On the trains, workers continuously referred to hygiene regulations such as wearing cloth masks, a spokesman said. This practice would continue on the upcoming Father's Day weekend about Ascension Day.
According to the announcement, Deutsche Bahn plans to offer disinfectants from donors free of charge at around 180 stations and 150 service stores. In addition, the washrooms at the 20 major train stations - such as Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Frankfurt or Cologne - can be used free of charge to wash your hands. If you don't have a mask, you can buy one in the on-board bistro for long-distance trains for EUR 1.50. According to the company, the railway has purchased 19 million of them.
Cleaning with UV light
At Frankfurt Central Station, the group will also be testing UV light cleaning on two escalators. It is expected to be in operation from this Wednesday (May 19) and will clean the handrails of the stairs leading from the S-Bahn up to the station hall, said station manager Hartmut Schwarz on Tuesday. The method will initially be tested for four weeks before it can be used elsewhere in Frankfurt or at other train stations.
Due to the pandemic, the number of daily visitors and passengers passing through Frankfurt Central Station is currently only around a fifth at around 100,000. It is gradually increasing again, said Black. He expects a further increase by the Pentecost weekend.
Train information to Corona
Bahn press release