Discounts for travelers: Deutsche Bahn increases train utilization!

Discounts for travelers: Deutsche Bahn increases train utilization!

Deutschland - Deutsche Bahn is forced to take new measures to increase demand in view of the continued low load of its long -distance trains. According to current information, the company plans to introduce discount campaigns to win more passengers. In the first four months of 2025, the occupancy of the ICE and IC trains was only around 44 percent. Although this number represents a slight improvement compared to the same period last year, it remains under the aim of 50 percent, reports ZVW.de .

The demand was weak, especially in April. Construction sites and longer travel times the travelers unsettled and led to many potential passengers looking for alternative travel options. Seasonal factors and the provision of longer trains on heavily frequented routes also contribute to the low load.

discount campaigns for increasing the offer

In order to increase customer interest, the railway wants to offer new discounts for various passenger groups. These include younger, older travelers and business travelers. Early bookers who book their trip more than four weeks in advance benefit from a 20 percent discount on the flex price. The flex price can be canceled free of charge up to a day before departure, which makes it attractive for price -conscious and travelers with unclear schedules.

The current situation not only poses financially for challenges, but also reflects a comprehensive trend in rail traffic. In 2023, the number of travelers rose to around 1.8 billion, but remains behind the 2019 values. The decisive factors for this decline include the sale of DB Arriva and the difficulties in customer acquisition, such as Statista.com reports.

Future view and infrastructure problems

Deutsche Bahn plans to double the traffic performance by 2030 to reduce emissions and increase the proportion of rail transport in freight transport to 25 percent. However, the company faces major challenges in terms of infrastructure. The existing infrastructure is predominantly poor, which leads to a renovation backlog and falling punctuality. In the years 2022 and 2023, a record low of punctuality in distant and freight transport was recorded, and from 2024 to 2031 extensive renovations of 40 busy routes are planned.

In addition, the economic situation is: DB Cargo has been struggling with negative results since 2015, while sales are increasing at the same time. From 2025, up to 2,300 jobs are to be dismantled at DB Cargo to improve the economic situation.

Through innovative discounts and the planned infrastructure measures, Deutsche Bahn hopes to increase the utilization of its trains and set the course for a successful future in rail transport. The coming holidays are another opportunity to improve the numbers and to convince potential customers: inside of the advantages of train travel, as well as Statista.com Notes.