Citing rising energy and fuel costs, Deutsche Bahn (DB) announced it will maintain stable prices for long-distance travel tickets throughout the coming year. During an interview with “Bild am Sonntag” CEO Evelyn Palla stated that the price freeze is intended to provide planning certainty amid current market uncertainties. She confirmed that prices for ICE tickets will remain stable starting May 1st for a period of twelve months.
Palla emphasized the importance of this measure for those who must remain mobile, adding, “We are providing security and stability for everyone who needs to and wants to travel”. Significantly, this decisive action deviates from DB’s typical practice of announcing fare adjustments in the autumn. It marks the second time under Palla’s leadership that the railway giant has opted to forgo ticket increases, following a decision last October to raise prices on Flex and Saver tickets.
The CEO linked this price guarantee directly to the company’s ongoing massive restructuring. For Palla, the “restart” phase involves taking on greater responsibility and setting new priorities. She emphasized that the top priority is getting trains running and ensuring that people across Germany can continue affording travel, asserting that “rail is the pillar of stability during uncertain times”.