Deutsche Bahn Customers Face Potential Fare Hike, Service Reductions
Passengers using Deutsche Bahn (DB) are bracing for significant price increases this year, according to the German transport union EVG. Reports indicate that ticket prices could rise by more than ten percent, citing sources within the railway company.
The anticipated increase is primarily driven by higher track access charges. DB’s infrastructure division reportedly plans to raise fees for long-distance transport by 18 percent and for freight transport by 16 percent. The union argues that these escalating costs will necessitate corresponding increases in ticket prices.
Martin Burkert, head of the EVG, warned that customers could face “historic price hikes of well over ten percent” this year. He further stated that long-distance connections on heavily used ICE routes, including the faster Sprinter services, are slated for a reduction of approximately 25 percent.
Burkert has called on the Bundestag (German Parliament) to intervene and mitigate the impact of these price increases. He urged lawmakers to use targeted funding to alleviate the burden of the rail levy during budget deliberations.
Deutsche Bahn declined to comment on the matter when contacted for a statement.
