The German high-speed train ICE, which connects Brussels to Cologne, has experienced multiple cancellations recently due to global warming, reported Bruzz. Deutsche Bahn announced it would improve the rail network in the form of new trains, but first by 2024.
The German ICE joins the Thalys train network in struggling with heat-related issues. Strikingly, the warm temperatures are having such an impact on the high-speed train, which normally runs seven times a day, that it often cannot run.
On Monday, only one ICE train departed from Brussels at 16:00. On Sunday, several of the trains from Cologne did not depart for Brussels.
Deutsche Bahn explained that most of the cancelled trains were due to technical problems with the trains that the railway company uses on its service between Brussels and Cologne. Most of the trains are from the 1990s and were not made for hot summer scorching through Europe in 2022.
Just 16 of 350 ICE trains can handle the hot temperatures, but as these trains also date from the 1990s there are difficulties in operating them.
DB ordered 73 new ICE high-speed trains in 2020 to deal with the issue, but will first start running in Belgium in 2024.
Claiming compensation
For travellers who have had their ICE train canceled this summer, the only other option is to take Belgian trains via Welkenraat and Aachen, after which they can hop on a slow train to Cologne.
Yet passengers must arm themselves with patience, as the detour can easily take two more hours, even as the ICE ticket remains valid for this journey. For those who cannot be bothered with more delays, there is the option of buying an extra ticket with Thalys, as these trains alternative with the ICE.
Deutsche Bahn's website details what compensation is available to passengers in cases of delays. Travellers with an onward international ticket can get a refund of half the amount of their ticket after a delay of 120 minutes or more. People travelling on an Interrail pass should get in touch with Interrail.
Deutsche Bahn regrets the delays as well as cancellations and has apologised to its passengers for the inconvenience.
