German Rail Service Targets Families with Price Hike on Seat Reservations
Deutsche Bahn raises the cost of seat reservations.
The Deutsche Bahn, Germany's national railway, has turned up the heat on family travels, announcing an increase in the prices for seat reservations from June 15th. While a second-class seat reservation will now cost 5.50 euros compared to the previous 5.20 euros, the family reservation offered at 10.40 euros will cease to exist.
Children and young people up to 14 years old will no longer travel the DB long-distance trains for free when accompanied by an adult; instead, each child will require a reservation at an additional cost.
The ecological transport club (VCD) and Green politician Matthias Gastel have voiced their dissent against the move, labeling it as a "price increase" for families, with Gastel referring to a "massive increase in hidden costs."
The Bahn's decision to eliminate the family reservation option means each individual must now pay for their seat reservation, incurring significant costs for families and large groups. Critics argue that this move could make train travel less appealing for families compared to other transportation methods, such as driving.
Activists, like Kerstin Haarmann, chairwoman of the VCD, appeal to Deutsche Bahn to rethink their strategy, emphasizing that families with children often rely on reserved seats. Instead of focusing on short-term discount actions, they encourage Bahn to maintain the general offer affordable.
Sources:- ntv.de- AFP
[1] Deutsche Bahn Eliminates Family Reservation Option, Increasing Costs for Families and Large Groups
[2] DB Long-Distance Seat Reservation Price Increase: A Significant Challenge for Families
[3] Matthias Gastel Criticizes DB Long-Distance for Hidden Cost Increase
[4] VCD Chairwoman Slams DB Long-Distance Price Increase for Families
[5] Families to Bear the Brunt of DB Long-Distance's Price Increase
- The new community policy implemented by Deutsche Bahn, which includes increased seat reservation prices, might lead to families reconsidering train travel due to the financial impact on their budgets, potentially shifting their preference towards other transportation industries like automobile transportation.
- In light of the lack of an affordable family reservation option and recurring price hikes under Deutsche Bahn's employment policy, critics from the business sector, such as the VCD, urge for a revision in the company's strategy, suggesting that focus should be placed on maintaining affordable general offers rather than short-term discount actions.
