The German government has firmly rejected calls to extend passenger rights to compensate for disruptions to amenities like Wi-Fi and onboard catering on trains, a move that has drawn criticism from regional authorities and passenger advocacy groups. According to a report in the “Rheinische Post” the federal government is dismissing a proposal from the Länder (states) aimed at incorporating such provisions into the upcoming revision of the railway transport regulations.
The government’s stance, articulated in a statement obtained by the newspaper, asserts that these “secondary services” constitute voluntary offerings and are not intrinsically linked to the core transportation service purchased with a train ticket. Ulrich Lange, State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Transport (CSU), emphasized that the provision of Wi-Fi and similar facilities is a “voluntary” act on the part of Deutsche Bahn, the national rail operator.
This decision follows a recent demand from the Bundesrat (Federal Council), which urged a review of passenger rights to cover instances of inadequate or missing services including guaranteed seating, Wi-Fi access and onboard dining. While acknowledging the need for improved passenger experience, the government has ruled out the creation of specific legal frameworks to address these shortcomings within the rail sector.
Critics argue that this decision essentially absolves Deutsche Bahn from responsibility for failing to deliver on promised onboard services, effectively shifting the onus onto passengers. The Bundesrat’s suggestion aimed to introduce a necessary level of accountability, allowing commuters recourse in situations where expectations are not met. The government’s rejection raises questions about the broader commitment to enhancing passenger satisfaction and the overall modernization of Germany’s rail infrastructure, particularly as reliance on these supplementary services grows among increasingly tech-dependent travelers. The move seems to prioritize budgetary constraints and bureaucratic simplification over improving the passenger experience, potentially fueling further debate about the future of rail travel in Germany.