German Railway's Cost-Cutting Move Sparks Controversy: Family Reservations Abolished
The German Railway has abolished family reservations, a move that has sparked controversy. The decision, aimed at reducing costs, has led to over 128,000 people signing a petition demanding its reinstatement, initiated by the German Automobile Club (ADAC).
The abolition of family reservations means that each seat must now be paid for individually, costing 5.50 euros per seat in second class. This change has raised concerns that it may drive families back to using cars, as traveling by train becomes less affordable. The railway company justifies this decision as a necessary cost-cutting measure, citing a tense economic situation.
The ADAC advocates for a socially and environmentally friendly transport transition in Germany. They argue that the abolition of family reservations goes against this goal. Children up to and including 14 years of age traveling with adults no longer have to pay for railway tickets, but the expected additional income from the abolition is likely to be limited, around 20 million euros, given a deficit of 1.8 billion last year.
The new CEO of Deutsche Bahn, Evelyn Palla, who will take office on October 1, 2025, has not officially confirmed whether she will reject the reintroduction of family seating reservations. The railway also cites abuse of the flat-rate family reservation system, such as through unnecessary multiple reservations, as a reason for the abolition. The debate surrounding this issue continues, with critics fearing that the abolition of family reservations will make train travel less accessible for families.
