[TRIP REPORT] Deutsche Bahn's Troubled ICE-3M In First Class From Brussels to Cologne
26In this trip report we cover the ICE 3M from Brussels in Belgium to Cologne in Germany. A rail link that goes mostly over dedicated hispeed rail, but todat we are going to take a little detour via Mönchengladbach because of construction works. Find out how it is to travel on one of the most unreliable ICE trains of Germany while enjoying a curry sausage!
The ICE stands for InterCity-Express and is one of the most iconic trains from Germany. The sleek and modern looking trains in white with a red band connects major cities in Germany and surrounding countries with each other. Travelling at a top speed of 320 km/h they can easily compete with flight travel.
At least, that is the theory... Because Deutsche Bahn, the operator of the ICE trains, is in a state of despair. Major delays and train cancellations are daily occurance for DB. Construction works, old infrastructure, maintenance issues, capacity problems at hubs and heavily mixed traffic all contributes to the poor state of German rail transport.
However, improvements are on the way. It will still take a while to fix all the problems, but the German government has agreed to invest a lot in the rail sector. Present day problems won't disappear soon and we still have to deal with it for the coming years. Yet, one day DB will be able to say that they are punktlich once again!
Music used in this video:
* Vault Kid & Tellingbass - Light Night Coffee
* Le Gang - New Beginnings
Info:
- Train ICE 315 from Bruxelles Midi to Köln Hbf operated by Deutsche Bahn
- Travelled on the 10th of August 2023
- First Class
- Interrail Pass + 3 EUR reservation fee
Additional credits:
- Background image made by Ekirii
Thank you for watching and coming along!