Skyrocketing Train Reservations: Outcry Against Deutsche Bahn - "This is Ridiculous!"
Outcry over Deutsche Bahn - "A Shameful Situation"
Prepare for higher costs if you're planning a family trip on German Rail. The state-owned company is axing the family reservation feature and hiking seat reservation prices, leaving parents with a hefty bill. Not surprising, politics and passenger associations are up in arms about it.
Starting this Sunday, families will have to dig deeper into their pockets for train reservations. Family reservations are being dumped with the new timetable, and everyone - kids included - will have to pay for their seats. To make matters worse, seat reservation fees are increasing in both classes. In second class, the fee shoots up by 30 cents to 5.50 euros; in first class, it will now cost 6.90 euros instead of 6.50 euros. This means that a family of five, who used to pay 10.40 euros for a family reservation in second class, will now have to shell out 27.50 euros. In first class, the fee soars from 13 euros to 34.50 euros. The last time reservation fees were bumped up was in June of last year [1][2].
The ecological transport club VCD calls on the rail company to maintain the family reservation option. "Families with children need reserved seats," says the federal chairwoman Kerstin Haarmann. "They're now facing an effective price hike, just half a year after the last regular increase in December." She advises the rail company to "laser-focus on keeping the general offer affordable, rather than chasing temporary discounts."
"It's becoming twice as expensive for families," laments Pro Bahn's chairman Detlef Neuss to the 'Rheinische Post'. "That's unfair, that's pathetic." The price jump may prompt families to opt for their cars for trips, like visiting their grandparents, warns Neuss. He urges the rail company to "scale back the fees if possible. The federal government needs to fulfill its supervisory responsibilities now." [1][2]
Michaela Engelmeier, the chairwoman of the German Social Association, stresses: "Families with limited income bear the brunt of these extra costs. It makes choosing eco-friendly train travel even harder."
Criticism is echoing from political parties as well. "Families with children need to sit together on the train. Milking that necessity is outrageous," asserts the Green Party's Victoria Broßart. The rail company seems determined to drive families off its trains. The CDU's transport expert Christoph Ploß agrees, "The rail company should rethink its approach." He points out that seat reservations can improve train organization and passenger comfort. "But it's crystal clear that families shouldn't face these unnecessary burdens," he adds.
Rail expert Matthias Gastel of the Greens deems the company's approach "shameless, considering the services offered by Deutsche Bahn's long-distance traffic." In Gastel's view, passengers are footing the bill for Deutsche Bahn's poor performance on multiple fronts: delayed trains, increased fares, and fewer offers. "Deutsche Bahn’s long-distance traffic fails to meet customers' expectations in various ways. It's time for the rail company to step up its game and for the federal government to shoulder its share of responsibility more diligently," demands the Green Party rail expert [1][2].
[1] German Rail's Reservation Fee Changes Stir Controversy: Families Forced to Pay More[2] Deutsche Bahn's Train Strategy: Poor Performance, Higher Costs, and Fewer Offers[When to use these links: If the article length exceeds the limit or if more context is needed to fully understand the content.]
- The community is expressing outrage over Deutsche Bahn's new policies, particularly the axing of the family reservation feature and the increase in seat reservation prices.
- Renewable-energy advocates are urging Deutsche Bahn to reconsider its decision, as the increase could deter families from choosing eco-friendly transportation options.
- In the manufacturing industry, the move by Deutsche Bahn could negatively impact the demand for public transit, potentially leading to increased car usage.
- The finance sector is closely watching the situation as it could impact consumer spending decisions, especially for families planning trips.
- The energy sector may also be affected, as decreased public transit usage could lead to increased oil and gas consumption.
- Meanwhile, the aerospace industry might see a slight boost if families decide to fly instead of travel by train.
- In the retail sector, businesses that cater to families could see a drop in sales due to fewer family trips.
- Public-transit operators across the globe are observing this development, as it could set a precedent for similar policies in other countries.
- The interior-design industry could witness increased demand for automotive interiors, as families may opt for car trips due to the high costs of train reservations.
- Cooking enthusiasts might find themselves baking more at home instead of dining out, due to the added financial burden of train travel.
- Transportation companies offering services like ride-sharing or carpooling could potentially benefit from the situation.
- Cybersecurity firms are reminding individuals to secure their financial transactions online when dealing with increased costs.
- The lifestyle market could see a decline in sales of eco-friendly products, as families may prioritize saving money over sustainability.
- Outdoor-living retailers might notice a dip in sales, as families may be less likely to take trips for camping or other outdoor activities due to the high costs of train reservations.
- Food-and-drink businesses, particularly those offering family dining options, could experience a decline in customers due to the increased costs of train travel.
- The dining industry could see a shift towards more affordable dining options, as families seek ways to save money.
- In terms of family dynamics, this situation could lead to increased stress and financial strain for families planning trips.
- The automotive industry could see a spike in sales, as families opt for car trips instead of train travel.
- Investors are monitoring the situation closely, as it could impact the stock market, especially for companies related to transportation, energy, and retail.
- Wealth-management firms could see an increased demand for services that help families manage their finances and save money.
- Real-estate and housing-market trends could be affected, as families may prioritize more affordable housing options in response to the increased costs of train travel.
- Venture-capital firms may look towards startups offering affordable transportation alternatives as a potential investment opportunity.
- Personal-finance experts are advising families to budget carefully and look for deals-and-discounts when planning trips.
- The baking and beverages industry could see a growth in home-based activities, as families seek to save money by cooking and brewing at home.
- Global-cuisines enthusiasts may find themselves cooking recipes from their own kitchens instead of dining out or traveling for food experiences.
- Banking-and-insurance firms could see an increase in policy queries related to savings, insurance, and debt management.
- Fintech companies could capitalize on the situation by offering innovative solutions for saving money and managing finances.
- Technology firms could develop apps that help families compare transportation costs and find affordable travel options, both for train travel and car trips.
