Despite rising energy costs, Deutsche Bahn CEO Evelyn Palla has announced that the national railway company will freeze prices for long-distance tickets for one year. "From May 1st onwards, we are keeping ICE ticket prices stable for a full year," Palla told the German newspaper Bild am Sonntag. She emphasized that this decision ensures "security and stability" for "everyone who wants and needs to stay mobile."
According to the report, this represents the second time under Palla's leadership that ticket prices will remain unchanged. The state-owned company had already decided last October to forgo increases in both flexible and saver fares. Typically, the railway announces price adjustments in the autumn.
The CEO directly linked the price guarantee to the ongoing transformation of the company. "A fresh start at Deutsche Bahn means taking more responsibility and setting new priorities," Palla told Bild am Sonntag. "The top priority now is: Running trains, running trains, running trains and ensuring that people in Germany can continue to afford travel."
The CEO aims to make the railway a "stability anchor in uncertain times," according to her own statements.
However, from the perspective of passenger association Pro Bahn, Palla's announcement to freeze prices is not sufficient. "The railway must reduce prices. At least for a certain period," said honorary chairman Detlef Neuß to the Rheinische Post (Monday edition).
When trains are almost always late and so many are cancelled, the announcement not to raise prices is too little, Neuß continued. "A price increase is not justifiable in the current situation anyway." Furthermore, long-distance tickets fluctuate depending on the route and capacity utilization. "We don't have fixed prices," the expert said. "To what extent forgoing a price increase will have an effect on this remains unclear."
The war launched by the United States and Israel against Iran at the end of February has caused fuel prices to surge in Germany as well. While a ceasefire is currently in effect, an agreement to end the conflict remains elusive.
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