Since mid-June, families have no longer been able to reserve seats together for a flat fee of €10.40 in the second class section of Germany's long-distance trains.
Now, the reservation for each child's seat must be paid for separately, meaning a trip for two adults and two children costs €22 in second-class reservations – more than double the previous price. And that’s just one way: for a round trip, the total seat reservation cost for a family of four rises to €44.
People in Germany are campaigning to reverse the decision. A petition, launched by the Verkehrsclub Deutschland (VCD) transport association, has drawn nearly 130,000 signatures so far.
The petition states: "When families travel by train instead of by car, they make an important contribution to climate protection. But travelling with children is often stressful enough. Affordable seating is a simple but crucial service, and a sign of appreciation.
"Especially at a time when Deutsche Bahn is looking to attract more passengers to long-distance travel, it should be looking at ways to make travel more attractive for everyone."
The petition has been handed over to Deutsche Bahn. Association head Matthias Kurzeck told the Rheinische Post newspaper that it's "a strong signal that DB is on the wrong track with its service policy".
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Price rise slammed by politicians
State-owned Deutsche Bahn received heavy criticism from associations and politicians for getting rid of cheaper family reservations – including from parties within Germany's coalition government.
The CDU's Steffen Bilger said the move affects families who need affordable transportation and have no choice but to reserve seats.
SPD parliamentary group leader Matthias Miersch said: “The 'Bahn' is not so attractive that you can simply afford such price increases.”
However, Deutsche Bahn has stood by its decision. The company pointed out that children up to and including the age of 14 accompanied by adults do not have to pay for train tickets. This was the case before family reservations were shelved.
DB argues the shake-up is needed to boost its finances. After posting a €1.8 billion loss last year, the rail operator has launched a restructuring drive, combining new investment with a fresh round of cost-cutting.
VCD chairman Kurzeck pointed out that Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU) recently published a report titled, 'Agenda for satisfied rail customers.'
DB and the Ministry of Transport should now take the first step toward implementation and reintroduce family reservations when the new timetable comes into effect in December, he added.
At the same time as getting rid of the family reservations, DB raised the price of individual seat reservations in second-class by €0.40.
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