Due to train cancellations and delays, the Deutsche Bahn had to compensate their customers with a record amount last year. The company paid out a total of 92.7 million euros to travelers – 54.5 million euros more than in 2021, like the Düsseldorf company “Rheinische Post” citing a spokesman for the railways.
According to this, around 3.8 million applications for compensation were processed last year. “That’s around 2.2 million more cases than in 2021,” said the spokesman. There are several reasons for the increased number of applications: After the Corona years of 2020 and 2021, the number of travelers rose sharply again. The growth is met with “a sustained high level of construction activity with the associated restrictions for travellers”.
Bahn boss admitted significant problems with punctuality
In addition, customers have also been able to claim their compensation online since June 2021. This only takes a few minutes “and is therefore used more frequently than before, using only the analogue passenger rights form,” said the spokesman. According to the group, these applications will be processed within two days.
Railway boss Richard Lutz admitted considerable problems with the punctuality of the railways at his balance sheet press conference last week. In long-distance traffic, it fell from 75.2 percent in 2021 to just 65.2 percent in 2022. “Quality and punctuality were not acceptable in 2022, there’s nothing to be said about it,” he said.
In accordance with passenger rights, customers who are delayed at the destination station by more than 60 minutes receive compensation of 25 percent of the fare paid for a single journey, and 50 percent for delays of 120 minutes or more. A train is still considered punctual if it is delayed by up to five minutes.