Deutsche Bahn Hikes Seat Reservation Prices: A 30% Increase for Families and Groups
German Railways Boosts Reservation Fee on Seats
Ride along with Deutsche Bahn as they hike seat reservation prices for a cozier ride. Say goodbye to the comfy 5.20 euros and welcome the new 5.50 euros fee for second-class fixed seats on long-distance trains, as announced on the company's Tuesday bulletin.
Waving the family reservation like a fond memory, Deutsche Bahn's decision to discontinue this option will leave families panting for breath. Families used to enjoy reserving seats for the entire brood at a fixed price of 10.40 euros, cruising down the tracks in a cluster. That joy ride won't fly anymore.
Despite the makeover, young ones aged 14 or younger can still jet-set along for free with an adult companion in long-distance transport. Squeezing in those extra tykes will cost greenbacks, though. Each mini-traveler will now be obliged to stump up some cheese for their seat. The railroad points out that the ex-family reservation equaled the price of two seat fees for an adult and one child, so solo parents won't feel the pinch.
Clamoring against these tracks, the ecological transport club is up in arms. Chairwoman Kerstin Haarmann bitterly laments, "Families with kids are particularly reliant on reserved seats. They're now slapped with another price hike." Haarmann implores the railroad to fixate less on fleeting discount gimmicks and prioritize affordability for the masses.
Voicing his disapproval, Green politician Matthias Gastel brands the move as "a massive increase in hidden costs." With train travel already lagging behind on punctuality, Gastel barked, "DB long-distance transport serves up poor punctuality, escalating ticket prices, and decrepit offers. That's too much at once."
To better dive into this debate, consider these juicy bits:
- Families, particularly large ones, are expected to pay more when the removal of the family reservation kicks in on June 15, 2025. The flat fee for five folks could skyrocket to as high as 165% compared to the old family rate.
- Children will now have to foot the bill for their seat reservations, adding to the overall family travel expenses.
- Environmental and political groups, along with consumer organizations, have joined forces to voice their opposition. The main concern is that the price hike may steer families towards more polluting alternatives, deterring sustainable transportation efforts.
- Political factions are pushing for the policy to be rolled back, advocating for rail travel that's inclusive and less harmful to our environment.
With Deutsche Bahn's plans facing heat, the spotlight remains on rail travel's future: Will it be kind to families or choke them with costs? The ball's in their court.
Source: ntv.de, AFP
[1] Deutsche Bahn stirs up controversy with controversial ticket price increase for families[2] Deutsche Bahn's family ticket price increase fanning the flames among travelers[3] How Deutsche Bahn aims to alleviate the burden of rising travel costs with family tickets[4] Impact of Deutsche Bahn's seat reservation price increase on families and groups
- The decision by Deutsche Bahn to eliminate the family reservation option may lead to an increase in costs for large families, as the new rate for five persons could rise by up to 165% when compared to the previous family rate, effective June 15, 2025.
- In response to the new policy, Deutsche Bahn has mandated that children will now be required to pay for their own seat reservations, adding to the overall travel expenses of families.
- A coalition of environmental, political, and consumer groups is voicing opposition to the price hike, fearing that it may discourage families from opting for sustainable transportation, potentially undermining efforts to reduce pollution.
