Dealing with yet another year of rail chaos brought on by strikes is becoming a familiar annoyance. This time, it's the union GDL that's causing the disruption, with a rail strike scheduled to start on Thursday evening, leading to nationwide delays in passenger and freight traffic until Friday at 10 pm.
Alternative Transportation Options
If you're facing a delay of at least an hour, consider switching to alternative modes of transport, such as taxis. However, keep in mind that you'll only be reimbursed up to 120 euros for your cab fare. If you can't reach your destination station by midnight without using another mode of transport, the railway's night journey rules apply, offering similar benefits.
Coping with Delays
If you're dealing with delays, ensure you get written confirmation from train staff. This will enable you to claim compensation through various channels, including the passenger rights form, confirmations of delay provided by the train staff, or your DB customer account.
Obtaining the Passenger Rights Form
If you can't get the form on the train or if delays don't occur during the journey (for instance, during transfer connections), you can obtain it at the DB Information Desk, DB Travel Center, or download it directly from the Bahn website.
Time Limits for Submitting Claims
DB Information typically holds these confirmations for up to five days, while DB Travel Center allows a year for submissions. Make sure to keep this information in mind when submitting your claims.
Claiming Compensation
Once you have the completed passenger rights form and a confirmation of delay, you can receive your compensation at ticket counters or through your online DB customer account. Remember to keep your original ticket for this purpose.
Compensation for Delays
Passengers are entitled to a 25% compensation of their one-way fare for delays of 60 minutes, and 50% compensation for delays of 120 minutes. Passengers traveling on heavily discounted tickets, such as the Schönes-Wochenende-Ticket, are not eligible for this.
Season Ticket Holders
Season ticket holders, whether commuters, local, or long-distance services, are also entitled to compensation for delays of one hour or more, which they can choose between a voucher or a cash payment.
Using Alternate Trains During Delays
Passengers can use alternate trains, including long-distance trains, if a foreseeable delay of at least 20 minutes is expected. This requires paying for the additional ticket first and seeking reimbursement later.
Cancelling Trips During Delays
If you decide not to travel due to announced delays, you can receive a full refund of your fare. This applies to delays at the destination station of more than 60 minutes.
Liability during Force Majeure
Since June 7, 2023, Deutsche Bahn is only liable for delays if the causes lie within its area of responsibility. Ordinary circumstances such as extreme weather conditions, major natural disasters, third-party behavior, or train emergencies are not covered. Notably, the railway is still liable during strikes.
Provision of Food and Drink during Delays
If your journey is delayed by more than an hour, you are entitled to food and drink. If you're not offered anything, don't hesitate to ask. In the event of an overnight stay due to connection problems, the railroad company can also cover hotel costs.
Dispute Resolution
In case of disputes, contact the arbitration board for public transportation (SÖP), which serves as a mediator between companies and their customers. Regional arbitration boards are also available in several federal states. Complaints must be addressed by railway companies within three months.
Passengers in Germany cannot claim compensation for train delays or cancellations due to strikes under EU Regulation 261/2004, as strikes are considered "extraordinary circumstances" beyond the control of the railway operator. This regulation does not provide compensation for disruptions caused by strikes, unlike delays or cancellations due to other reasons such as technical issues or weather conditions[4].
However, passengers may still be entitled to other forms of assistance, such as complimentary food and drinks at the station, and alternative transportation arrangements provided by Deutsche Bahn. If the strike is not directly related to the passenger's journey but is part of a broader disruption, they might still be able to claim compensation if they meet specific criteria, such as being denied boarding against their will or if the airline fails to provide adequate assistance[4].
