For the first time in six years, Deutsche Bahn is not raising prices for long-distance travel when the new timetable comes into effect this year. “The starting prices for saver and flex fares, as well as the prices for bahncards, will not increase,” said company spokesman Achim Stauß in a video message on Friday. He justified this decision by citing the problems faced by the railway company and the numerous disruptions to its operations.
“We want to send a clear signal with stable prices, because this year in particular, a large number of trains have been slowed down by the poor condition of the rail network, and many passengers have had to accept longer journeys due to short-term construction sites,” said Stauß. He also pointed to economic reasons: “If passengers were to switch to other modes of transport now, it would not only be bad for DB's economic situation, but also bad for the environment.”
Deutsche Bahn's new long-distance timetable will come into effect on December 14. As part of the timetable change, Deutsche Bahn is increasing the frequency of services on busy routes. In return, the frequency of services on some less popular routes will be reduced. Connections from mid-December can be booked from October 14.
In previous years, Deutsche Bahn has always increased prices when the timetable changed. Last year, prices for flexible tickets rose by an average of 5.9 percent, and there were also increases in the cost of taking bicycles on long-distance trains, season tickets for commuters, and the Bahncard100. According to Deutsche Bahn, there will be no price changes in the small print this time either, for example for seat reservations or bicycle tickets.
The announcement only applies to long-distance services. In regional transport, many transport associations set their own ticket prices. Many smaller transport companies use the so-called Germany tariff – the association behind it announced a 5.4 percent price increase on December 14 at the beginning of October. In addition, the monthly subscription price for the Germany ticket will rise from 58 to 63 euros at the turn of the year.
From breaking news to thought-provoking opinion pieces, our newsletter keeps you informed & engaged.
