Overview
- The VCD says it has delivered the signatures to Deutsche Bahn and is pressing for reinstatement at the December timetable change.
- Before the June policy change, families could reserve seats for up to five people for a flat €10.40; a typical four-person round trip now adds about €44 in reservation costs.
- Deutsche Bahn argues children up to 14 still travel ticket-free with adults and has cited misuse and seating-efficiency concerns as reasons for ending the family option.
- The company says about 5% of long‑distance passengers used the family reservation last year, equating to roughly 6.7 million of 133.4 million travelers.
- Political and advocacy pressure continues, with references to the transport ministry’s recent customer agenda, but CEO Evelyn Palla has said reinstatement is not currently planned.