Railways increase fares and make flexible ticketing options less adaptable
Railways increase fares and make flexible ticketing options less adaptable
Train Schedule Shuffle at Deutsche Bahn - And Alongside, Another Fare Hike
The train schedule adjustment at Deutsche Bahn is now underway - and alongside it, another bout of fare increases. A possible source of annoyance: Flexi-tickets are becoming significantly more pricey, and their late cancellation will now result in charges. However, there are also some noteworthy improvements to consider.
Ticket Costs
As in the previous year, Deutsche Bahn is upping prices for Flexi-tickets markedly, whilst keeping the entry-level fares for saver tickets unchanged. The cheapest Super-Saver tickets, which are non-refundable, still amount to 17.99 euros. Saver tickets, which can be cancelled up to a day before travel for 10 euros, now begin at 21.99 euros. The fees for Flexi-tickets, which are noticeably more expensive, are increasing by an average of 5.9 percent. Last year's price rise was 4.9 percent, and in 2022, Flexi-tickets soared by 4.9 percent, following a 2.9 percent surge in 2021.
Other Cost Changes
Late cancellations for Flexi-tickets will now incur a fee. Cancellations remain cost-free up to eight days before travel, 10 euros will be charged for cancellations up to a day before travel, and cancellation on the day of travel will now set you back 30 euros. The expenses for bike transport in long-distance traffic are going up from the current 7.50 to 12.90 euros to between 7.99 and 14.99 euros.
Season tickets for commuters are also increasing by an average of 5.9 percent with the schedule change. The prices of discount cards Bahncard 25 and 50 remain constant, with the Bahncard 25 for second class, for instance, costing 62.90 euros. The Bahncard 100 is increasing by 6.6 percent, now setting you back 4,899 euros per year for second class.
Germany Ticket Price Surge
The price of the Germany Ticket is increasing separately from Deutsche Bahn's schedule change, from 49 to 58 euros per month starting January 1.
Earlier Reservations
However, there are also positive developments for customers. Tickets for long-distance travel could previously only be booked up to six months in advance. Since October 16, bookings can be made up to 12 months in advance.
Saver Tickets without Email
The purchase of saver tickets at the counter will once again be feasible without supplying an email address from the schedule change starting Sunday. Since October last year, this was compulsory, but the railway has now conceded to criticism from passenger associations and data protection advocates.
New Routes
The highlight of the new schedule is a new direct connection between Berlin and Paris. The journey via Frankfurt, Karlsruhe, and Strasbourg is planned to take eight hours. There is also a new ICE connection from Munich to Amsterdam via Stuttgart and Ulm, with a planned travel time of seven hours. Moreover, there are new Sprinter connections on the Berlin-Frankfurt route, with three of the future eleven direct connections taking off completely from the capital to Main without stops.
Changes in On-Board Catering
Independent of the schedule change, there are modifications in on-board catering: From February, draught beer will no longer be provided. Instead, there will be a wider selection of bottled beer. Furthermore, DB is launching a pilot project for cashless payment only between February and May. In some trains on six ICE routes, payment will then only be possible by card.
This year, the railway initiated a new renovation concept: Over the next few years, a total of 41 heavily trafficked routes will be comprehensively refurbished, with some sections being fully shut down for months. The first full shutdown affected the Riedbahn from Frankfurt to Mannheim, where construction began in July and is now completed. It is set to reopen this Sunday. Next in line are the approximately 30,000 daily passengers on the Berlin-Hamburg route. From August onwards, long-distance trains will be rerouted for nine months, adding at least 45 minutes to travel time. A bus replacement service will be provided for regional traffic.
When does the new timetable take effect?
The new timetable will be implemented on Sunday. Those who book in advance will still secure tickets at the old price.
The increase in Flexi-ticket prices continues, with an average increase of 5.9% this year. Now, canceling a Flexi-ticket on the day of travel will cost you 30 euros.
In addition, the cost of draught beer on board trains will no longer be available, with a wider selection of bottled beers offered instead.