Berlin, Germany – The German Federal Minister of Transportation, Patrick Schnieder, remains critical of the Deutsche Bahn’s decision to abolish the “Family Reservierung” policy. A recent letter from the Bahn’s board to critics, known to the Ministry, has not altered Schnieder’s stance.
The Minister had previously stated that the abolition of the policy sent a “wrong signal” and that criticism was necessary. The Family Reservierung allowed parents to reserve seats for themselves and up to three children for a flat fee of 10.40 euros, but this is now being replaced with a per-seat reservation system. The price for a single reservation has also increased, resulting in a 164% rise for a five-person family seeking to sit together.
A spokesperson for the Ministry, in response to a question about the Minister’s satisfaction with the Bahn’s performance, hinted at the possibility of a personnel reshuffle, citing the need for a new strategy and in-depth plan adjustments. The Ministry is currently focusing on the former, with a view to determining the personnel required to implement the revised plan.