Engine drivers strike to enforce their demands. This leads to chaos in the DB network.
Frankfurt – The train drivers will go on strike from Tuesday evening (August 10th, 2021). From Wednesday night, passenger traffic is said to be affected by the strikes. Claus Weselsky, Federal Chairman of the GDL, emphasized at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon: “This is a nationwide strike.” The strikes are planned until Friday (13.08.2021).
Rail and train travelers now have to be prepared for delays and cancellations. But can passengers defend themselves against it? What are their rights? And can the money be reclaimed?
DB strike: this is how travelers get their money back
Beatrix Kaschel from the local transport arbitration board in Düsseldorf explains to the German Press Agency what rights passengers now have in the event of strike-related impairments – and how they can get the money back for the ticket.
What rights do passengers have in the event of a strike in the event of train delays or cancellations?
Beatrix Kaschel: “The passenger rights of the EU passenger regulation also apply in the event of a strike. The same conditions apply as for delays and train cancellations due to other causes. If you don’t get to your destination on time because of a train strike, you can get a part of the fare or even the entire fare back, depending on the delay.
The amount of the compensation depends on the length of the delay. If passengers arrive at least 60 minutes later than planned, they are entitled to a 25 percent reimbursement, for more than 120 minutes it is 50 percent. From a foreseeable delay of more than an hour, passengers can also forego the journey and claim the full ticket price back.
In the event of a delay of more than 60 minutes, the railway company must also offer free refreshments and meals in reasonable proportion to the waiting time. If there is nothing from the company, travelers should also keep the bills for their meals here. “
How do passengers get their money back in the event of a strike-related disruption to rail traffic?
Beatrix Kaschel: “The claims must be made using the passenger rights form. The form is available on the train, at DB information, in the DB travel center or as an online form. “
How do travelers with a valid ticket get to their destination despite a strike?
Beatrix Kaschel: “If the booked train is canceled or delayed, there are various ways to get to your destination anyway.”
In such a case, according to Kaschel, there are the following options:
- Continue by taxi: “In the past, Deutsche Bahn organized taxi rides from larger train stations and distributed appropriate vouchers for local transport. If travelers are looking for a taxi on their own, however, there are restrictions – the company does not have to take over every taxi invoice afterwards. The railway company only has to reimburse the costs for a taxi up to a maximum of 80 euros if the planned arrival at the destination is between midnight and 5 a.m. and travelers arrive by train at least 60 minutes later. The same applies if the last scheduled train of the day is canceled and travelers do not reach their destination in any other way by midnight. “
- Continue with long-distance transport: “If it becomes apparent that passengers will only reach their destination with local trains with a delay of more than 20 minutes, they can take a long-distance train at no extra charge. However, this must not require a reservation. Special trips are also excluded from this rule. Before passengers can board the long-distance train, they must buy a valid ticket. You can have the railway company reimburse you for the additional expenses that arise later. However, this right only exists if the original route is not more than 50 kilometers long or does not take longer than an hour. This regulation does not apply even to a significantly reduced ticket, for example a national ticket or a semester ticket. “
According to the expert, this right only applies if the original route is no more than 50 kilometers long or does not take longer than an hour. Semester tickets and special tickets, such as a country ticket, are exempt from such regulations.
In addition, Kaschel emphasizes: “Costs for journeys by private car are not reimbursed.” (Tu / dpa)
List of rubric lists: © Jan Huebner / Blatterspiel via www.imago-images.de
