Cancellations for the 49-euro ticket?
Passenger association: train strike could cost many customers
06/23/2023, 09:31 am
Around ten million people traveled with the Deutschlandticket in June. However, with an indefinite strike, Deutsche Bahn customers could drastically shrink. Passenger representatives predict a wave of layoffs and are therefore calling for a “strict timetable for strikes”.
In the case of a longer strike this summer, the railway could lose numerous customers permanently from the point of view of passenger representatives. “If there is an indefinite strike, there will be massive layoffs at the Deutschlandticket,” warned the national chairman of the Pro Bahn passenger association, Detlef Neuss. This is counterproductive for the mobility transition away from the car to the train. “Those sitting in the car will feel vindicated,” said Neuss.
The Deutschlandticket was introduced in the spring. Since May, it has been possible to use all buses and trains in local and regional transport nationwide for 49 euros a month. According to industry information, almost ten million people used the ticket in June. The subscription can be canceled monthly.
After the failure of collective bargaining with Deutsche Bahn, the railway and transport union (EVG) announced a ballot on open-ended strikes on Thursday. In addition, warning strikes are still possible. There have not been any concrete announcements yet.
“Happens on the backs of the passengers”
The course to strike at the beginning of the holiday season was problematic for many vacationers, said Neuss. This also applies to people who, due to high inflation, cannot afford a long vacation trip and instead planned a trip by train. “We demand a strike schedule,” Neuss renewed the association’s position. Not all trips should be canceled in the event of a walkout. A basic offer is necessary in the mornings and afternoons, for example for getting to and from work. Many people rely on buses and trains.
Neuss criticized the EVG’s strategy: “We were already pretty close together. Is it absolutely necessary to get more out of an open-ended strike?” This happens on the backs of the passengers. According to Pro Bahn, the EVG’s competition with the Union of German Locomotive Drivers (GDL) plays a role in this. “The union with bite used to be the GDL. And now the EVG wants to prove that they can do it too.”