Metropolitan

Introduction

The beginning of operations was preceded by investigations into ten routes where the train could compete with plane travel. The Cologne–Hamburg route received the highest value in the investigations, with the Frankfurt–Munich route placing second. Metropolitan service was originally scheduled to begin on 13 June 1999. Due to delays in train delivery and crew training, service did not begin until 1 August. Starting on 1 July 1999, test runs were conducted using the first of the two trainsets to collect operating experience. Between 1 August 1999 and the termination of service on 11 December 2004, Metropolitan trains traveled between Köln Hauptbahnhof and Hamburg Hauptbahnhof, with stops at Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof and Essen Hauptbahnhof. However, by the end of 1999, trains were occupied to only 20 percent capacity, below the break-even point of 53 percent. Two options were considered: an extension on the Hamburg-Berlin route and the removal of the requirement to reserve seats in advance; neither option was adopted.

Decline

During all five years of Metropolitan service, utilization was far below the trains' capacity and that of standard long-distance service. About two months after the beginning of operation, the trains had utilization rates of 50 to 60 percent on Monday mornings and Friday evenings, but were only filled to 30 percent capacity on average. In the first two years, average utilization increased to 35 to 40 percent, still below the break-even point. Only during trade fair days did utilization reach satisfactory levels. Passenger numbers decreased in the first quarter of 2003, when the Metropolitan service lost one fourth of its passengers, according to Deutsche Bahn, which blamed the rise of low-cost airlines.

At a financial press conference on 16 August 2004, Deutsche Bahn confirmed a report that Metropolitan service would be discontinued, but did not specify a date of discontinuation. The service was discontinued due to low utilization and lack of profitability. According to a report by the media, MET GmbH operated at a loss of €3.8 million in 2003 with a turnover of €21.3 million. The average occupancy of the trains was only 35 percent rather than the planned 50 percent. Metropolitan trains continued to run until the next regular timetable change on 11 December 2004. Service was replaced with ICE Sprinter trains.

Further usage

The two trainsets were initially intended to be parked, though DB Fernverkehr decided to reuse the trains in long-distance traffic. They were externally modified to prepare them for service, being repainted in the standard DB colors and fitted with features such as route sign holders. However, the interiors were unchanged. The two Traveller cars and three other cars were reassigned to second class, while two were assigned to first class.

After the timetable change on 13 December 2009, the two seven-car trains were converted into one eleven-car train and one three-car train, though this was reverted in March 2011.

The last Metropolitan train ran on 10 December 2021, and the train's control car was decorated with the Metropolitan logo. The use of the two trains ceased after the timetable change in December 2021; the trains were listed for sale. Photos in 2024 show the stock being cut up and scrapped.

First Class

The Metropolitan was the only Deutsche Bahn service that was not divided into separate travel classes. Instead, three categories of first-class service were provided:

Two Silence cars intended for resting passengers. A free pillow and blanket were provided, as well as earplugs and headphones. The use of phones and laptops was discouraged. These two cars were located at the end of the train.

Three Office cars intended for working travelers. Seats included in-seat power outlets and cell phone repeaters. This category contained a cocktail and espresso bar as well as four-seat tables for work interviews.

Two Club cars were available for passengers who did not want to work or sleep. Portable DVD players and films could be borrowed free of charge. This section also contained a cocktail and espresso bar and wireless repeaters, similar to the Office section. Car number 7 was designed to be accessible.