Passengers thrown off ICE: dispute over dirty train escalates!

Passengers thrown off ICE: dispute over dirty train escalates!

Deutsche Bahn is causing a stir among travelers: On June 10, 2025, passengers of the ICE 886 on the route from Munich to Hamburg in Nuremberg were asked to leave the train early. According to the train staff, the reason for the abrupt stop was the condition of the interior, which was described as “dirty”. But the attentive travelers reported that the condition was not particularly bad. Quite the opposite - photos of the train show no unusual dirt, which raises questions about whether the right decision was really made here. The incident not only angered passengers, but also brought experts to the scene. The lawyer Professor Christian Solmecke criticized the cancellation of the trip as legally questionable and made it clear that normal pollution cannot justify such a step. “The railway’s transport conditions only allow termination if there is a specific risk to safety,” said Solmecke. He also pointed out that in the event of delays, travelers are entitled to compensation under EU law, depending on the duration of the delay. The Pro Bahn passenger association expressed understanding for Deutsche Bahn's employees, who are often under pressure, as they are often confronted with dirty and defective trains.

Where do the passengers go?

Of course, the affected passengers had little choice but to transfer to a crowded replacement train that arrived an hour later. While the train staff tried to explain the situation and apologize for the inconvenience, Deutsche Bahn was heavily criticized in the media for this incident alone. However, an employee emphasized that this incident was rather unusual, especially for a modern ICE 4 that is capable of transporting over 1,000 travelers - including standing room.

Dirty trains and overworked staff

Deutsche Bahn is currently heavily criticized. The incident on ICE 886 could only be the tip of the iceberg, because according to Pro Bahn, dirty and defective trains are no longer uncommon. The Railway and Transport Union (EVG) has also denounced the savings in cleaning services. Trains will be cleaned less frequently, while cleaning staff will be pushed to work faster. Overload and bad moods are the order of the day. A DB spokesman explained that this particular train was accidentally used without prior cleaning - a mistake that should not have happened.

Travelers still have rights! According to information from the railway, passengers can claim compensation in the event of delays. If you are delayed by one hour or more, you will be entitled to 25% of the fare as compensation, and if you are more than two hours late you will be entitled to 50%. In addition, travelers can also request a refund for seat reservations if they have not been used. A detailed overview of passenger rights is provided on the Deutsche Bahn website, where relevant forms and information can be found: Deutsche Bahn passenger rights.

Against this background, one voice has become particularly loud: Professor Dr. Lukas Iffländer from Pro Bahn is calling for the federal government to intervene immediately. According to him, the ICE 886 incident could be the trigger for a broader discussion about the quality of long-distance transport and the challenges it poses. “It is the responsibility of politicians to improve the situation in order to regain the trust of travelers,” said Iffländer. Whether there will be any actual change remains to be seen.