Train shocks families: No more reservations from June 15th!

Train shocks families: No more reservations from June 15th!

Deutsche Bahn is facing a storm of indignation. From June 15, 2025, the company will abolish family reservations, which is causing profound criticism from families, politicians and various associations. Many see this as an ill-advised step that could have social and environmental consequences. The decision comes at a time when many families rely on the train to get to their destinations.

The new regulation means that families will also have to pay for their children's places in the future. While children and young people up to the age of 14 can continue to travel for free, seat reservations in second class will be increased from 5.20 euros to 5.50 euros and in first class from 6.50 euros to 6.90 euros. A family of four now has to pay 22 euros for a one-way trip with reservations - a significant increase from the previous 10.40 euros. The costs for a return trip add up to a whopping 44 euros, which represents a real financial burden for many families.

Politicians and associations are outraged

Deutsche Bahn's decision triggers a wave of outrage. Politicians from the CDU, SPD, Greens and Left strongly criticize this step and call for a rethink. They fear that the increased costs will encourage families to switch back to cars, which could increase the environmental footprint. Organizations such as Greenpeace and the German Social Association support these concerns and warn of the possible consequences for low-income households and the environment. The ecological transport club VCD advocates maintaining family reservations because it knows that families rely on reserved seats to ensure a relaxed journey.

Deutsche Bahn defends the abolition with economic arguments. Given a deficit of around 1.8 billion euros in 2024, the company sees the need to make savings. But it remains unclear whether the financial benefits of this measure are actually worth it in relation to the ongoing public anger and the threat of the railway's loss of image. The railway has already responded to massive protests in the past when, in December 2024, a rethink took place shortly after criticism of the abolition of notices for arrival plans.

A small scope of use

Interestingly, only around 5% of long-distance travelers took advantage of family reservations - that equates to around 6.7 million passengers. Nevertheless, the regulation was particularly popular among travelers with children, and many of these families already feel that the new regulation is treating them unfairly. Or to put it another way: There's something going on!

The coming weeks will show whether Deutsche Bahn can turn around in the face of widespread criticism and fears from travelers. Many families sincerely hope that their voice will be heard and that the railway will reconsider their decision in order to continue to make traveling by train attractive for families.

Further information can be found at daily news, Mirror and MZ.