Deutsche Bahn Boosts Seat Reservation Fees to 5.50 Euros from 5.20 Euros: A Partial Victory for Profit Over People? 🚋💸
Deutsche Bahn boosts seat reservation costs.
Stepping up the financial game, Deutsche Bahn announced an increase in the cost of seat reservations on long-distance trains. As of Tuesday, a fixed seat in second class will now set you back 5.50 euros—a hike from the previous 5.20 euros.
The axe has also fallen on the popular family reservation option, which used to allow families to secure seats for the whole brood at a fixed cost of 10.40 euros. Alas, this perk is no more. So, what does this mean for families and groups traveling by train?
Well, kids under 15 still get to travel for free when accompanied by an adult. However, if you're planning to grab a guaranteed seat for your little ones, you'll have to part ways with some extra cash as seat reservations will now be charged per child. But fret not, if you're a solo parent with one little munchkin, the new pricing won't impact your wallet anymore than it did before.
Naturally, this move has attracted some well-deserved criticism.
The voiced concern? This decision financially punishes families and groups, and it's tricky to ignore the irony considering the Bahn's questionable track record when it comes to punctuality and service quality. According to Matthias Gastel, a Green politician, this translates to a massive increase in hidden costs. Gastel also pointed out that the DB long-distance offerings are consistently marred by poor punctuality, rising ticket prices, and lackluster services.
Even the ecological transport club (VCD) hasn't held back, calling out the Bahn for effectively loading families with another price increase. The VCD chairwoman, Kerstin Haarmann, expressed that families, particularly those with young children, are particularly reliant on reserved seats. She urged the Bahn to prioritize the affordability of its general offerings rather than resorting to short-term discount actions.
In essence, this limitation on group reservations and hike in costs leaves families and groups grappling with a more expensive train journey. And as next-generation climate warriors are our best shot at a greener future, this decision is a step backwards in promoting sustainable transport—a truth well-acknowledged by consumer and ecological organizations[1][3].
Sources:- ntv.de- AFP- ecopy.de
The community and employment policies of Deutsche Bahn may come under scrutiny due to the recent decision to increase seat reservation fees, which could potentially impact families and groups traveling by train. This financial move, heavily criticized for its potential negative effects on families, raises questions about the balance between profit and passenger convenience within the company's business model. Further finance-related concerns might arise as a result of the highlighted increased costs.
