At the beginning of this week, Deutsche Bahn put its first ICE3neo into test operation. The multiple unit was used for the first time between Frankfurt am Main and Cologne. From December 11, 2022, this ICE generation is scheduled to run between Dortmund via Cologne and Frankfurt am Main to Munich.

Due to the fact that the license is currently only available for Germany, the ICE3neo multiple units are only used domestically for the time being. According to Deutsche Bahn, however, it is planned that these will also operate internationally from around 2024. By 2029, 73 ICE3neo will be on the rails. The state-owned company wants to invest around ten billion euros in the renewal of the fleet.

The ICE3neo is based on the ICE3, which has been in use for several years. However, this has been extensively modernized and should also offer opportunities to take bicycles. Renewed glazing is intended to improve mobile phone reception. There should also be sockets and holders for tablet PCs on the seats. For people who are dependent on wheelchairs, there is now a so-called lift, which should make it easier for them to get on.