Good concepts prevail. After the rail & fresh toilet facility celebrated its premiere on the 7th of July, 2010, at Munich Central Station, Stuttgart Central Station was soon to follow in September. Shortly before Christmas, on the 21st of December, 2010, the western region of Germany also received its first “rail & fresh” toilet facility at Düsseldorf Central Station. The innovative “rail & fresh” toilet concept, developed by Hering Bau in close cooperation with DB Station & Service AG, counteracts the predominantly negative image of railway station toilets. A consequent customer orientation, attractive design and a real atmosphere of comfort give the station an impressive new shine.
Sparkling-clean, friendly and refreshing
“rail & fresh” stands for "The highest level of comfort, cleanness, hygiene and comprehensive service." With immediate effect, Hering Bau will be the operator of the WC Centre under the Premium WC brand “rail & fresh”.
High hygienic standards, state-of-the-art technology and inviting ambience.
An inviting WC Centre, featuring the latest hygiene and WC technology, as well as the fresh, distinctive “rail & fresh” look was created in a 126 m² area. Within the scope of the redesign, the Hering Bau specialists carried out an extensive modernisation operation, while maintaining the existing room structure. High speed doors guarantee a comfortable and easy access to the new facility at the entrance and exit area. At the wash and make-up area of the “rail & fresh” centre, touch-free technology and disinfection dispensers provide perfect hygiene and effective protection against viruses and germs. A special extra service was provided at the existing toilet facility with the supplementary addition of a shower cubicle, as well as the renovation of both the floor and walls: The Hering Bau experts applied a hard-wearing and easy to clean surface coating to these areas. The existing tile pattern on the walls was supplemented with printed glass elements to create an attractive design. The floor was covered with an extremely durable, hygienic, synthetic resin coat.
Regular cleaning and innovative voucher system.
Service has a particularly high priority in the “rail & fresh” concept. The regular cleaning services, performed by trained service staff, is just as much a matter of course as a family orientated WC and a free of charge, easily accessible toilet WC for disabled people. Defibrillators, which can be used for immediate life-saving in case of cardiac emergencies, are installed at the entrance and exit area. The payment system at the new rail & fresh WC Centre is also an innovative feature. The fee for the facility is 1.00 Euro – whereby each user receives a voucher worth 50 Cents. This can be used at numerous “rail & fresh” partners within the railway station building. The payment itself is made via pay machines with change and voucher issuing functions. Additionally dispensers for changing banknotes are provided. Last but not least, children under 12 years of age can use the facility for free.
Other sites already planned
The “rail & fresh” concept allows Hering Bau to offer a new generation of WC, in which the company’s well founded experience as a market leader in the field of constructing, renovating and operating public toilet facilities comes into effect. Surveys in Munich and Stuttgart show that this concept is extremely well perceived by customers. The German rail company Deutsche Bahn AG also receives positive feedback, which is an indicator that the rail & fresh concept should be spread far an wide to other major German stations. Hering Bau is soon to begin its next projects in Essen, Berlin and Hamburg. In addition to this, the company is currently working intensively on modifying the innovative WC concept for other areas of application.
