Germany introduces a new commuter train

Germany's ICE competes well with the TGVs of France (wikipedia)

GERMANY — Germany and France have been competitors in rail technology for several decades. Now Germany is introducing innovative train concepts for commuters.

In 1964 when Japan introduced the Shinkansen, better known to Americans as the "Bullet Train", for the Olympic games in Tokyo, the world of transportation changed forever.

Shinkansen "Bullet Trains" 
introduced
high speed rail service
in 1964 in Japan (wikipedia)

Since that time, both France and Germany have been leaders in high speed rail technology which has altered the face of travel throughout Western Europe. Today, with the advent of the European Union, passengers are now able to cross international borders and visit major destinations in other countries with little more than a rail ticket and their passport, all while being whisked from city center to city center through breathtaking panoramas at just under 200 mph.

Frankfurt's main railway station is always busy  (wikipedia)

European rail travel hearkens to the golden age of travel where getting to an exotic locale was as much a part of the adventure as the destination itself.

In those days rails represented grand suites, champagne and gourmet cuisine amid the charms of steaming through the countryside in elegant first-class comfort.

Switzerland's Gotthard Base
Tunnel is a masterpiece of
engineering (wikipedia)

Though some of those nostalgic rail journeys still exist, the more contemporary version of riding trains has become a matter of time and convenience with innovations such as the Channel Tunnel and the Gotthard Base Tunnel in Switzerland considerably shortening travel times.

Europe is becoming more accessible than ever before.

Thus, it should come as no surprise that Germany introduced its newest incarnation of future train transportation last week with the unveiling of the "Ideezug."]

Ideezug will feature swivel chairs among its innovations
(wikipedia)

Unlike high speed trains, the "Idea Train" will offer state-of-the-art regional services for commuters. The project, which has been in development for years, is still a work in progress, but, as the name suggests, constant alterations and services may well become a permanent feature as German trains consistently adapt to technological advances.

Designed to compete with growing enthusiasm for driverless cars as well as the opening of Germany's A94 highway connecting Munich with Simbach am Inn in 2019, the Idea Train plans to incorporate a series of innovations that will counter the competition.

ICE ready to depart in Leipzig
(wikipedia)

Though the route for the Idea Train is yet to be determined, if it is a success, it will not be long before the entire country will be linked with such regional services.

Among the offerings, which are still under consideration for practicality and feasibility, Idea Trains currently plan to be decked out with "reservable sports cabins" that include spin bikes and digital personal trainers. There will also be big screen TVs,  areas to play video games and "privacy pods" where travelers can rest between stops.

Riders suffering from motion sickness will have access to swivel chairs that face in any direction. This idea has long been a feature of Japanese train services which may have the most diverse collection of train configurations anywhere in the world.

Eurostar high speed train exits the Channel Tunnel  (wikipedia)

The Idea Train will also incorporate "noise canceling" seats, though European trains are typically quiet in their own right.

According to Jörg Sandvoss, the CEO of Deutsche Bahn Regio, “When developing such concepts, it is not about implementing a train with all the creative ideas at once, but rather taking individual approaches into consideration for new trains.”

Germany's high speed ICE races through the countryside
(germany travel)

There seem to be no limit to the innovations available to the visionary creations of luxury rail travel. For example, Japan's new Suite Train Shiki-Shima offers suites with fireplaces and food prepared by Japan's first Michelin-starred chef. Such services have become a daily ritual for Japanese commuters.

In the meantime, Amtrak is attempting to get its trains to arrive and depart on time. One can only hope.