The CDU is urging Deutsche Bahn to become significantly more family‑friendly, one of the key points being that pregnant women should be allowed to travel in first class without an extra charge.
According to the “Rheinische Post” (Thursday), a draft resolution-recommended for submission to the party’s February federal convention-states that “rail travel must become more family‑friendly”. It expands this to allow pregnant passengers from the fifth month, with a medical certificate confirming the expected due date, to use first‑class seating free of charge.
The proposal from the CDU state association in North‑Rhein‑Westphalia further calls for a standard set of family amenities on all trains, including changing tables, child‑friendly toilets, and microwaves. It also urges Deutsche Bahn to reconsider re‑introducing the recently abolished free family reservations on long‑distance services. In the event of delays exceeding one hour, the CDU demands a full fare refund for families.
In addition, the resolution insists that no performance bonuses should be awarded to railway executives if ambitious punctuality targets are unmet. It also requires that, in the case of major service disruptions in long‑distance travel-such as unusable toilets, air‑conditioning failures, or the removal of catering services-a reasonable partial refund of the fare be offered.