Cashing in on Family Travel: Deutsche Bahn's Questionable move Leaves Union and SPD Stewing
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In the hustle and bustle of political dynamics, the ruling coalition of Union and SPD has voiced their disapproval towards Deutsche Bahn's intervention. The state-owned company's proposed elimination of the economical seat reservation for families has raised eyebrows, especially among those who highly value affordable mobility. Steffen Bilger, the parliamentary business manager of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, expresses his concerns to the "Bild" newspaper, "With the scrapping of the family reservation, Deutsche Bahn is courting further public scorn." He further adds, "Family-friendly travel shouldn't be a luxury; it should be an essential offering, not a disadvantageous one." According to spokesperson Matthias Miersch of the SPD parliamentary group, "I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a change of heart. Deutsche Bahn can't afford such price hikes if it wants to retain its appeal."
New Prices, Old Misery:Deutsche Bahn seems undeterred by the mounting criticism as it stands by its new regulation. A spokeswoman confirmed, "Starting June 15th, we will no longer offer the family reservation." However, children up to 14 years of age traveling in the company will continue to enjoy free accommodations when accompanied by an adult. Before this amendment, families traveling in second class were only required to pay a total of 10.40 euros for a reservation catering to up to 5 individuals. In the first-class compartments, it was 13 euros. As of now, it has been revealed that this deal, once cherished by families, will cease to exist come Sunday. Additionally, the cost for a reservation in second class will increase by 30 cents to 5.50 euros, and in first class, it will be 6.90 euros instead of the previous 6.50 euros.
For families, reserving seats on Deutsche Bahn trains will become a heavy financial burden. A family traveling with two children will noticeably bear the brunt, having to pay 22 euros for a single trip. In terms of round trips, this equates to a whopping 44 euros.
Source: ntv.de, ino/dpa
- Deutsche Bahn
- CDU
- SPD
- Family
Insight:
The criticisms directed towards Deutsche Bahn's decision to eradicate the economical family seat reservation option stem from multiple concerns:
- Increased Expenses for Families: The removal of the family reservation means that each family member, including children, will have to pay the standard seat reservation fee. This leads to a significant increase in travel expenses for families. Formerly, families reserved seats for up to five people at a fixed rate of €10.40 in second class or €13 in first class. With individual reservations costing €5.50 in second class (an increase from €5.20) and €6.90 in first class (an increase from €6.50), the overall cost for a family can surge[1][2].
- Deterrent for Public Transport Users: Critics contest that this change makes train travel less appealing for families, compared to private transport such as cars. This is counterintuitive to the objective of promoting public transport and reducing carbon emissions[1][2].
- Inept Timing: The proposed change was announced during the peak travel season, causing concern among government officials, including the Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder, who expressed his displeasure over the timing, fearing it could harm Deutsche Bahn's image as a family-friendly option[2].
- Public Unrest and Petitions: The public outcry against this decision is evident, with multiple petitions circulating demanding Deutsche Bahn to reconsider. This widespread discontent holds the capacity to influence political opinions and actions[2][3].
Overall, the abolition of the family reservation option is viewed as a move that jeopardizes the affordability and accessibility of public transport for families, inviting criticism from both political parties and the general public.
- The CDU's business manager Steffen Bilger criticizes Deutsche Bahn's elimination of the economical family seat reservation, stating, "With the scrapping of the family reservation, Deutsche Bahn is courting further public scorn."
- The SPD spokesperson Matthias Miersch expresses hope for a change of heart from Deutsche Bahn, saying, "I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a change of heart. Deutsche Bahn can't afford such price hikes if it wants to retain its appeal."
- The removal of the family reservation option by Deutsche Bahn could be a setback for their public image, as critics argue it makes train travel less appealing for families compared to private transport such as cars.
- The pricing change in Deutsche Bahn's family seat reservation policy has sparked public outcry, with multiple petitions circulating demanding a reconsideration of the decision. The public backlash holds the potential to influence policy-and-legislation and politics in the general-news sphere.
