Deutsche Bahn Customers Face Potential Fare Hike, Service Cuts
Passengers using Deutsche Bahn (DB) are bracing for significant price increases this year, according to the EVG union. Reports suggest that train fares could rise by more than ten percent, fueled by escalating track fees.
Sources within DB’s infrastructure division indicate planned increases in fees for long-distance travel by 18 percent and for freight transport by 16 percent. The company anticipates these rising costs will necessitate higher ticket prices to maintain financial stability.
EVG Chairman Martin Burkert warned of “historic price hikes” for customers, stating that fares could increase by over ten percent this year. He also highlighted potential reductions in long-distance services, specifically on heavily used ICE routes, including Sprinter services, with possible cuts of up to 25 percent.
Burkert urged the German parliament (Bundestag) to intervene and mitigate the impact of these price increases. He called for targeted subsidies during budget deliberations to lessen the burden of rail infrastructure charges.
Deutsche Bahn declined to comment on the matter when contacted for a statement.