Deutsche Bahn Faces Criticism Over Cancellation of Family Reservation

The Deutsche Bahn is under increasing scrutiny following its decision to eliminate the family reservation option for train journeys, a change that took effect with the recent schedule update. As of Sunday, families can no longer reserve up to five seats at a bundled rate, and children are now required to pay for their own reservations.

Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider has expressed discontent with the railway's decision, emphasizing the importance of making train travel appealing, particularly for families. Schneider stated that it is crucial for families to be able to sit together during their journeys and for travel costs to remain manageable. He has urged the Deutsche Bahn to reconsider this unexpected move.

Additionally, the Verkehrsclub Deutschland (VCD), an advocacy group for sustainable transportation, has condemned the decision as a significant misstep that could harm the company's image. They argue that the Deutsche Bahn is positioning itself as a company that does not prioritize families, despite its public commitment to climate protection. The VCD has raised concerns that this decision could alienate environmentally conscious customers who are looking for affordable family travel options.

In response to the changes, a petition directed at the Deutsche Bahn's management has garnered significant support, with over 66,000 signatures collected by the morning following the announcement. The VCD is calling for the restoration of the family reservation option, ideally by the next schedule change in December.

The new reservation policy stipulates that all passengers, including children, must pay for their seats, resulting in a price increase for reservations. The cost in the second class has risen by 30 cents to EUR5.50 per seat, while first-class reservations now cost EUR6.90, up from EUR6.50.

The Federal Ministry of Transport characterized the termination of the family reservation as a corporate decision made by the Deutsche Bahn, indicating that it falls within the company's operational domain. However, Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder criticized the move, labeling it as a misguided signal regarding the company's priorities.