Deutsche Bahn's Controversial Move: Ablation of Family Seat Reservations
Railway continues to uphold family-specific booking, sparking controversy
In the face of heavy criticism, Deutsche Bahn persists with its decision to scrap family seat reservations effective June 15th. According to a spokesperson, "Family seat reservations will be a thing of the past from the 15th of June," they told the Deutsche Presse-Agentur. Fortunately, children and youths up to 14 years old can still travel without charge when accompanied.
The official announcement came on a Tuesday, indicating the end of family seat reservations from this coming Sunday. From then on, all passengers, including kids, will need to pay for seat reservations. The cost of a second-class reservation will increase by 30 cents, up to 5.50 euros, and a first-class reservation will now be 6.90 euros, instead of 6.50 euros.
For families, train travel becomes a pricier affair with reserved seats. The current 10.40 euros charge for a second-class family reservation will skyrocket to a staggering 22 euros for two children, amounting to a hefty 44 euros for a round trip.
Politicians Demand a U-Turn
Immediately, voices were raised against this decision. Greenpeace, the German Social Association, and passenger association Pro Bahn voiced their opposition. Politicians from CDU, SPD, Greens, and Left called on the railway to reconsider their stance. Accusations of pushing families towards cars arose, as a family reservation for up to five people used to be available for 10.40 euros.
Recent history witnesses a similar controversy. In November, the railway sparked strong criticism with an announcement: displays of arrival plans in railway stations were to be removed from December 15th. The justification was the need for passengers to have real-time information. However, after social and passenger associations cried foul, the railway backed down just two days later, acknowledging that they took "the criticism from the public and associations seriously."
The motives for the axing of family seat reservations are unclear in the given details, but it could be part of a broader streamlining or revenue optimization strategy.
"We remain committed to offering free accompaniment of children and young people," the railway spokesperson reassured. "Yet, it is also evident that in light of the current economic turmoil, our offers must be sustainable." However, the financial impact of abolishing family seat reservations may be limited. The railway reported an overall loss of 1.8 billion euros in 2024.
In other rail travel developments across Europe, a unified train ticket system is on the horizon, potentially offering new opportunities for travelers. For the time being, the cancellation of family seat reservations directly affects travel budgets, making train travel more expensive for families and potentially more appealing compared to other modes of transportation.
- The controversy surrounding Deutsche Bahn's decision to eliminate family seat reservations has prompted numerous responses from political parties and passenger associations, with representatives demanding a reconsideration of this policy.
- As critics argue that this move could force families towards car travel and exacerbate expenses, the financial motives behind the abolition of family seat reservations on Deutsche Bahn remain unclear, but may be part of a broader strategy to streamline services or optimize revenue.
