But not a mega-strike on the rails. Nevertheless, it will probably not run smoothly on the platforms at the beginning of the week. However, the company accommodates travelers.
Munich – The 50-hour strike for Deutsche Bahn employees called by the EVG has been averted; the union and the company agreed to a settlement. For travelers who are dependent on the railway, however, there is only limited reason to breathe a sigh of relief: As Deutsche Bahn announces on its homepage, restrictions and cancellations in train traffic must nevertheless be expected. The company reacts at short notice with special and goodwill arrangements for those affected.
A third of all long-distance trains are likely to be cancelled despite the cancellation of the strike – travellers can find out more here
According to the announcement, only about two-thirds of all planned long-distance trains could be carried out. "Especially on Sunday evening and on Monday, there are train cancellations," informs Deutsche Bahn on its website. The restrictions would primarily affect Intercity (IC) and Intercity Express (ICE) routes, but regional connections – such as the Regional-Express (RE) – could also experience isolated delays or cancellations.
Trouble on the platform: Despite the cancelled strike at Deutsche Bahn, there will probably be some restrictions and cancellations. © Christoph Soeder/dpa
Travelers should inform themselves in advance. On its homepage, Deutsche Bahn provides information about current traffic reports. Travelers can also check the status of their planned connection in the app (DB Navigator). In addition, Deutsche Bahn has set up a special hotline (08000-996633), which can be used to obtain free information on the traffic situation on the rail network.
Flexible use even without rebooking: Deutsche Bahn is accommodating due to circumstances
Travelers who do not want to start their journey in the next few days due to the developments will be accommodated by the railway with accommodating special regulations. If you are flexible, you can postpone your train journey, but if you can't, you won't be left with the costs. If the train arrives too late or not at all, the passenger is legally entitled to compensation, as usual.
According to bahn.de, the following goodwill arrangements apply for the coming days:
- Flexible use of the booked ticket: Passengers who have booked a long-distance connection between Sunday (14 May) and Tuesday (16 May) can start their journey at a later date. The ticket is valid up to and including Wednesday (24 May); and local transport will also be expanded. This means that if you have booked an IC, you can also get on an RE or an S-Bahn instead, should this connection be more likely. However, this only applies to tickets booked up to and including 11 May.
- Free reimbursement of the fare: Alternatively, tickets for the above-mentioned period (14 to 16 May) can be refunded. But here, too, the ticket must have been purchased up to and including 11 May.
- Train connection is omitted: If you book a ticket for a saver fare and super saver fare, you have to commit to a specific train connection in advance. The ticket is then only valid for this selected train. This regulation is repealed for the period concerned. Passengers can also use other long-distance and local trains.
- Exception: The so-called city function does not apply to the goodwill arrangement. In other words, if the booked ticket does not include travel to the respective station, a ticket for public transport must be purchased.
- Free bike shipping for long-distance travelers: As the railway expects a high volume of traffic in the next few days, passengers are asked not to bring their bicycles. A transport cannot be guaranteed. Instead, it offers free bike shipping for the original strike days. The booking for this can only be made online. As a rule, shipping takes two working days. However, this offer does not apply to e-bikes and similar two-wheelers.
So instead of Tuesday, just drive from X to Y with the booked ticket? Theoretically, this is possible. But not recommended. Because Deutsche Bahn expects full trains for the long weekend (Ascension Day), it "strongly advises" against wanting to redeem the ticket flexibly for Wednesday, Thursday or Sunday (17, 18, 21 May); at least not without reserving seats in advance. "We recommend that you postpone your trip – if possible – to May 16, 2023," the company said.
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Restrictions and train cancellations: From Tuesday, all trains are to run again as scheduled
The fact that there are restrictions and cancellations at all, although the strike marathon could be averted, has logistical reasons. On Saturday, the agreement between the union and Deutsche Bahn was surprisingly reached. As pleasing as this is for travelers, the company now has to reschedule in order to restart the completely shut down rail traffic within 24 hours.
"Deutsche Bahn is facing the great challenge of rescheduling around 50,000 train journeys as well as the associated shift and deployment schedules," the company said on Monday with regard to the expected restrictions. "On Tuesday, the full offer will be available again," the information said, according to bahn.de. (rku)
