The incoming CEO of Deutsche Bahn, Evelyn Palla, has stated that the recent elimination of family seat reservations will not be reinstated. Responding to inquiries from the dts news agency on Monday in Berlin, she indicated that reversing the decision is not currently under consideration.
Addressing whether the company will prioritize family-friendly policies under her leadership, Palla asserted that Deutsche Bahn is already “very family-friendly” citing the comparison of existing fares with those of other railway systems, particularly for long-distance travel. The family reservation system, allowing up to five people to secure fixed seats for a flat fee of €10.40, was discontinued earlier this year, requiring children to now pay for seat reservations.
During her formal introduction on Monday, Palla emphasized that quality would be a top priority under her tenure. “The satisfaction of our passengers is paramount” she declared, adding that the company requires a renewed quality focus. A cornerstone of her approach remains the railway infrastructure. Palla underscored that without a robust, efficient and functional track network, all other aspects of rail service are unsustainable, reaffirming the continued importance of infrastructure upgrades.
She confirmed her commitment to the ongoing program of extensive infrastructure renovations. “Only when routes and stations are in top form can rail operations truly shine” she explained. However, Palla cautioned against expecting immediate, dramatic improvements. She acknowledged that restoring quality is a complex, long-term process, describing it as a “marathon” rather than a quickly achieved objective.
