Picture of an ICE train, one of Deutsche Bahn´s high speed intercity trains. (Photograph attributed to Wikimedia.)

Deutsche Bahn Wins Contract in North-East England 

It was announced on Thursday that, as of April 2010, Deusche Bahn, Germany's national rail network, will operate a regional train network in the north-east of England.

It seems the old adage and stereotype of 'German efficiency' has won over British transport chiefs. British commuters have had to endure years of poor service, late trains, cancellations and excessive train prices.

"The contract was signed on Tuesday, and confirmed on Thursday, and will see DB operate and oversee 74 kilometres of rail network (approximately 46 miles) in and around Newcastle and Sunderland, with 90 trains and 60 stations in service - used by more than 40 million commuters a year," DB said in a statement. 

In 2008, the firm bought a stake in Chiltern railways and currently has operations in more than 100 countries.