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(de-news.net) – Effective June 15, Deutsche Bahn will implement a modification to its reservation pricing structure, eliminating the reduced family seat reservation rate. Under the new policy, all passengers, including minors, will be required to pay the standard fee for individual seat bookings. The cost of a single second-class reservation will rise from 5.20 Euros to 5.50 Euros. Previously, families could avail themselves of a flat-rate fee of 10.40 Euros for up to five passengers.

The announced policy shift has provoked bipartisan criticism. Parliamentary manager of the CDU/CSU, Steffen Bilger, contends that the measure disproportionately affects individuals dependent on economical travel options and for whom seat reservations are essential. Matthias Miersch, the parliamentary leader for the SPD, similarly urged Deutsche Bahn to reassess the decision, arguing that such price increases are unjustifiable given the current quality of service and could diminish the railway’s attractiveness.

Federal Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig underscored the financial burden the revised pricing structure imposes on families. She emphasizes the importance of affordable and accessible transportation, particularly during peak holiday periods when train capacity is strained. Hubig deems this policy counterproductive to family-friendly transportation objectives, asserting that fare increases should not serve as impediments to travel for leisure or familial visits.

Opposition has emerged from prominent Green Party representatives. Hence, Katharina Dröge, co-chair of the Green parliamentary group, has vehemently criticized the timing of the fare increase, citing that many families already experience financial strain during summer travel. She argues that such policies contradict efforts to improve railway accessibility and advocates for the allocation of special funds for railway infrastructure improvements rather than cost-balancing measures. Tarek Al-Wazir, also of the Green Party, expressed concerns asserting that the decision undermines public confidence in rail services, particularly given prior criticisms regarding service quality.

Beyond the sphere of political parties, civil society organizations have also voiced their discontent. Kerstin Haarmann, chair of the Verkehrsclub Deutschland, characterized the policy as a concealed price increase and questioned its justification. While acknowledging that children under 14 may still travel free when accompanied, she contends that the supplementary reservation fees will impose significant financial strain on families.

Detlef Neuss of the passenger advocacy organization Pro Bahn likewise articulated dissatisfaction with the policy, warning that increased reservation costs may incentivize families to opt for automobile travel instead. He urged the federal government to exercise its supervisory authority, potentially through augmented subsidies, and advocated for Deutsche Bahn to revert to the previous pricing framework. Environmental and social organizations, including Greenpeace and the Sozialverband Deutschland, have also joined the chorus of dissent.

The Federal Ministry of Transport stated on Friday that it maintains regular exchanges with Deutsche Bahn. However, it emphasized that it does not intend to intervene in the pricing policies of the state-owned company, as such determinations are entrepreneurial decisions that fall within the purview of the company itself, according to a ministry spokesperson. Nonetheless, the spokesperson acknowledged that one might critically assess whether the timing of an increase in family reservation fees conveys the appropriate message in the current context.

Despite widespread opposition, Deutsche Bahn remains resolute in its decision to enact the changes.