Riding the Rails Gets Pricier for Families: Union and SPD Slam Bahn Over Scrapped Cheaper Seat Reservations
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In a move that's sparking criticism, the German state-owned railway, Bahn, is set to do away with the discounted family seat reservation. This decision has gained significant backlash from the Union and SPD coalition, who argue that Bahn is chancing further image loss and making train travel more expensive for families.
Steffen Bilger, the parliamentary business manager of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, voiced his concerns to the infamous "Bild" newspaper, stating, "Bahn is risking further image loss with the abolition of the family reservation." Families, who are often dependent on budget-friendly mobility solutions, are particularly affected by this change. Bilger emphasized, "Train travel must be family-friendly. If you want to attract more people to the Bahn, you have to strengthen family-friendly offers, not cut them."
Matthias Miersch, the SPD parliamentary group leader, echoed similar sentiments, expressing hope that Bahn may reconsider this decision. "I hope there will be a change of mind. The Bahn is not so attractive that it can simply afford such price increases," he told the editorial network Germany.
Despite this growing criticism, Bahn remains unwavering in its decision. As of June 15th, the family reservation will no longer be available. However, children and youngsters up to 14 years old can still travel free of charge when accompanied. Previously, families in second class only had to pay a total of 10.40 euros for a reservation for up to five people. In first class, it was priced at 13 euros. Starting Sunday, this option will no longer be available. Additionally, the second-class reservation fee will rise by 30 cents to 5.50 euros, and the first-class reservation fee will be 6.90 euros instead of 6.50 euros.
Consequently, train travel with reserved seats for a family will become more expensive. With two children, they will now have to pay 22 euros. For a round trip, this amounts to 44 euros.
Sources: ntv.de, ino/dpa
- Deutsche Bahn
- CDU
- SPD
- Family
Though it may appear that Bahn is tightening its purse strings, critics argue that this decision will disproportionately affect families with multiple children. With each passenger, including children, now required to pay the standard seat reservation fee, train travel is getting less affordable. This move could lead to fewer family trips by train, resulting in a decline in passenger numbers and, ultimately, revenue for Deutsch Bahn. Critics also contend that Bahn should be fostering family-friendly offers to attract more riders rather than cutting them.
- The abolition of the family seat reservation by Deutsche Bahn, as criticized by the SPD and CDU, may negatively impact the community policy, as train travel becomes more expensive, potentially leading to a decline in family trips and revenue.
- To maintain a positive lifestyle and business image, Deutsche Bahn should reconsider its decision to do away with the family seat reservation and instead focus on providing vocational training and vocational training programs that cater to families, making train travel an affordable and attractive option for all.
