Family Train Tickets Get a Makeover: New Rules and Costs
Train station eliminates practice of reserving seats for families.
Berlin (dpa) - In a shakeup, long-distance train journeys no longer offer a flat rate family reservation. Deutsche Bahn (DB) has dismissed the popular family reservation system since the recent timetable change. Now, every family member needing a seat must pay the individual rate for their ticket. Plus, the base price for seat reservations in second class has increased by 30 cents to 5.50 euros per seat. First-class reservations now cost 6.90 euros (up from 6.50 euros). For a family of four, round-trip reservations skyrocket to 44 euros, doubling the previous cost[1][2][3].
Outcry Over the Discontinuation
The scrapping of family reservations has received widespread criticism and disapproval from various sources in recent days. The German Association for Environment and Nature Conservation (VCD) launched an ardent petition to halt the move. As of Sunday morning (8:00 AM), the petition had garnered 66,000 signatures. "The criticism from politicians, associations, and society went unheeded: As of today, the family reservation within DB has become obsolete. A grave error, for it brings additional expenses to families and creates fresh damage to the DB's reputation," the VCD declared.
A representative from the Federal Ministry of Transport also cast doubt upon the measure on Friday. Similarly, Environment Minister Carsten Schneider expressed dissatisfaction: "DB has lost their mark here," the SPD politician told the Funke media group on Saturday, the eve of the abolition. "Families desire to sit together while traveling by train, and they should be able to afford it. I would welcome it if the responsible parties reconsidered this unexpected step."
However, the state-owned company remains resolute in its decision. They justify their stand by citing the requirement that children under 15, when accompanied by adults, do not have to pay for train tickets.
More Changes Afoot
Sunday's timetable modification also ushers in a number of improvements for passengers. Flex price tickets are again available for free cancelation up to one day before the intended travel date. Additionally, some discount campaigns have commenced.
In response to the controversy, the German Association for Environment and Nature Conservation (VCD) initiated a petition asserting, "The family reservation within DB has become obsolete, bringing additional expenses to families and creating fresh damage to the DB's reputation." Meanwhile, Environment Minister Carsten Schneider lamented, "DB has lost their mark," urging the company to reconsider its decision, as the new measures could negatively impact families seeking affordable, knee-to-knee travel experiences during their financial management, lifestyle adventures, or business trips, as well as their future travel plans.
