Comments on: Germany’s new ICE 4 train is launched

By: Alastair

Alastair — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 13:16:02 +0000

In reply to Nicole.

That’s really interesting, Nicole. Thanks for commenting. I’ve not been on the ICE4 yet so it’s hard to judge the ‘ride’ as it were, on the seats.

But I totally get what you are saying about the reservation/seat ID display. Travellers expect to see it on the top, and if it’s not there they’ll go into instinctive airliner mode and look up on the wall next! It might be a couple of seconds, but multiplied by lots of people boarding at the same time, I can see how it would slow things up. Still, I guess in time people will get used to it.

By: Nicole

Nicole — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 09:38:14 +0000

I have been on this new train a few times already and I have to confess, the seats are very, very uncomfortable. Nobody can sleep in the seats because of its “ergonomic” style. This is an issue, I find, for commuters in the morning and people who travel on this train for over 4 hours. The seat only moves about 1.5 inches up for a slight recline.
Also, the reservation signs being integrated on the sides of the seats actually confuse people. When commuters rush into the train in the morning they rely on being able to see ahead of them for blank reservation spots so they know where to find a seat and not be in the way (for the most part). When having to look down at each seat, it slows the process of boarding the train.
p.s.
I found this website because I was looking for comments about the new trains and their terribly designed seats, but I haven’t found much. Either it’s still too new or I’m the only one uncomfortable in it. Although I don’t believe that is the case, because whenever I’d walk past passengers attempting to sleep, they look slightly miserable and struggling to find a comfortable position. I was thinking of making lots of photographic evidence and sending it to DB, but I honestly don’t think it would solve anything.

By: Alastair

Alastair — Mon, 24 Jul 2017 07:33:11 +0000

In reply to Steve. Good question. Especially, as you say, when they are owned by DB. Maybe they are saving them for HS2 ;)

By: Steve

Steve — Sat, 22 Jul 2017 17:49:38 +0000

Why can’t we have trains like this in the U.K., especially from the likes of CrossCountry (who’s parent company is DB!) who operate some of the longest distance services with an EasyJet style service: 4/5 coach trains, packed airline-style seats with little legroom, few tables, no buffet, no restaurant car and no compartments for families/businesspeople.