Deutsche Bahn presents innovations for public transport at the UITP mobility congress

S-Bahnstation Elbbrücken Copyright: DB AG/Jonas Wresch

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Passengers benefit from innovative ideas – Walk-in model of the S-Bahn of the future – AI-based ticket sales thanks to ‘Kiana’ software

Hamburg, 13 June 2025

Deutsche Bahn (DB) will be showcasing the world of modern public transport at the ‘UITP Summit’ mobility congress in Hamburg from 15 to 18 June. ‘On the move for everyone’ is the motto of the stand, where DB will be presenting innovations for local public transport. Modern vehicles, real-time capacity utilisation displays and the use of artificial intelligence are designed to meet the needs of travellers even better.

At the UITP Summit, S-Bahn Hamburg is presenting an innovative concept for the S-Bahn of the future – the ‘IdeenzugUrban’ on a 1:1 scale. Wider doors and an intelligent seating arrangement make boarding and alighting easier. Intuitive display elements improve orientation, while Bluetooth connections for hearing aids set new standards for barrier-free mobility and passenger information. Solar panels on the roof feed the electricity generated into the grid.

DB Regio will also be presenting the ‘S-Bahn 2029+’ concept. For the first time, DB has developed a vehicle concept for S-Bahn operations in the metropolises that incorporates the needs of passengers and decades of experience in S-Bahn operations. The aim of the project is to set the new standard for the S-Bahn of the future. Depending on the requirements and wishes of the respective metropolis, the S-Bahn 2029+ can be customised on a modular basis.

DB Vertrieb is demonstrating how artificial intelligence can be used in ticket sales with the ‘Kiana’ project. Kiana can sell AI-based tickets and advise passengers around the clock – regardless of opening hours and locations. Kiana can communicate with passengers and offer them the right ticket. The virtual assistant is particularly suitable as a supplement to regular travel centres or at locations where there are no ticket sales counters. Kiana currently speaks German and English, with other languages to follow.

The International Association of Public Transport (French: Union Internationale des Transports Publics, UITP) is organising the UITP Summit from 15 to 18 June at the exhibition grounds in Hamburg. Other exhibits at the DB stand include a vehicle from the KIRA project (AI-based regular operation of autonomous on-demand transport), which DB is currently trialling with partners in the Rhine-Main region, and the Lightgate real-time capacity utilisation display.