Last year, Deutsche Bahn had to pay record amounts of compensation to its passengers. The four warning strikes, among other things, have contributed to this. If trains are canceled due to strikes, passengers can get a full refund of the ticket price.
Otherwise, the train will reimburse a quarter of the fare for delays of one hour or more, and half of the fare for delays of two hours or more. Last year, Deutsche Bahn was more punctual than in a long time: 64 percent of long-distance train stops were reached on time, i.e. less than six minutes late.
As a result, 5.6 million damage claims were submitted, the majority of which via the website or app. On average, Deutsche Bahn reimbursed its passengers about 24 euros per capita. That’s a new record.
Short term construction sites, lack of investment
The railway justified the delays not only with the warning strikes, but also with construction work at short notice and the onset of winter in December. “But it is also true: the three-digit million sum needed for the urgently needed investments in the modernization of Germany’s railways is missing. Only in this way can we sustainably improve the punctuality of our trains,” said a spokesperson.
Here you can see a statement from company spokesperson Anja Bröker.
Notfahrplan stable
The machinists’ union GDL is currently on strike until Monday for better pay and fewer hours per week for shift workers. The emergency schedule is stable. “The trains are running and you can travel even during the strike,” board member Stefanie Berk said on Thursday. Travelers should check their train connection and reserve a seat as capacity is limited.
There would be about one in five regular trains on the road. The company said long trains would also be used. According to a recent survey, the majority of the population does not understand the railway strike (see video above). The usual timetable should be available again from Tuesday.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
