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Shock for travelers: Deutsche Bahn closes lounges in Bremen and Essen!
Deutsche Bahn announces the closure of its lounges in Essen and Bremen. Find out more about the background and effects.
Shock for travelers: Deutsche Bahn closes lounges in Bremen and Essen!
Deutsche Bahn AG has announced that it will close its lounges in Bremen and Essen on October 31, 2025. This decision not only impacts loyal rail travelers who appreciate the amenities of the lounges, but also sheds light on the challenges the company faces. How Mirror reports, these lounges are places of relaxation for travelers who often travel further afield and want to relax between connections.
The closure of the lounges is part of a larger restructuring process at Deutsche Bahn. In 2024, the company saw a small ray of hope with a sales report that documented the highest since its founding in 1994, but the economic situation remains tense. This is not only due to the challenge of acquiring customers, but also to the sale of the subsidiary DB Arriva and the ongoing investment backlog in the infrastructure. These statistics highlight the difficulties DB is struggling with Statista holds on.
Room for change
The closure of these two lounges could be an indication of a strategic realignment of the railway. By 2025, DB plans to focus more on its core business in Germany and divest itself of less profitable business areas. A possible sale of DB Schenker, expected to close next year, is seen as an important measure to pay down debt. Two thirds of passengers are inclined to book their trips again as long as the conditions improve.
But it's not just the lounges that need action: punctuality in DB's long-distance and freight transport has now also fallen to a record low. The EU Commission has issued clear guidelines that are intended to encourage Deutsche Bahn to maintain profitable operations. Otherwise you will be forced to repay aid. So the question remains: How will DB achieve its goals while maintaining service for its customers?
The customer experience in view
Despite the challenges facing DB, there are signs of positive developments. The recognition of the brand and the service provided have won over many travelers in the past. Plans to renovate busy routes between 2024 and 2031 could also improve the travel experience, which is already suffering from poor infrastructure.
An end to inaction is in sight, but the implementation of these measures will be crucial to whether Deutsche Bahn can achieve the expected turnaround towards a positive customer experience. The closures in Bremen and Essen are just the beginning. We can only hope that DB finds the right course so that it can continue to offer travelers an excellent service in the future.