The German passenger association Pro Bahn stated that the announcement by Bahn CEO Evelyn Palla-that long-distance train fares would remain stable for one year starting May 1st due to the energy crisis-is simply not enough. Detlef Neuß, the association’s Honorary Chairman, told the “Rheinische Post” that the railway company must actually lower prices, at least for a defined period.
Neuß argued that simply promising not to raise prices fails to address the operational shortcomings of Deutsche Bahn, citing the frequent delays and numerous cancelled services. According to him, any potential increase in fares is currently indefensible.
Furthermore, he highlighted that ticketing in the long-distance sector does not involve fixed prices, as fares fluctuate based on the specific route and the level of passenger occupancy. Because of this variability, the extent to which suspending a price increase will actually benefit customers remains uncertain.
