Backtracking on digital plans: DB responds to customer criticism
The mandatory e-mail requirement for saver fare tickets is being abolished by Deutsche Bahn.
Detail of an ICE.
(Image: heise online / anw)
Deutsche Bahn is taking a step backwards in the digitalization of its customer services – but only in small steps and at the request of many customers. From mid-December, it will once again be possible to purchase Sparpreis tickets without providing an e-mail address. In addition, Deutsche Bahn has canceled its plans to no longer display printed arrival schedules in stations.
Since October 2023, it has only been possible to purchase Sparpreis tickets by providing an email address. A mobile phone number was also required. This applied even if travelers wanted to purchase their ticket at the ticket counter. Consumer advocates and passenger associations sharply criticized this change, fearing that customers without an email address or smartphone would be disadvantaged. There were also reservations with regard to data protection.
Change with the timetable change
As reported by Deutschlandfunk, Deutsche Bahn is moving away from this practice with the next timetable change. Although it explained that it only affects a very small number of people, it still wants to enable them to book the discounted tickets. However, a name must still be given when ordering.
Just a week earlier, Deutsche Bahn had backed away from its digitization plans in another matter. The white paper notices showing train arrival times were to disappear from stations in future. This measure was also to take place with the timetable change on December 15. Deutsche Bahn explained that it would be much easier for passengers to see the arrival time and the respective track in real time via monitors, arrival boards and the displays on the track. The paper notices are hardly used any more and cause considerable costs.
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Following considerable criticism from social and passenger associations –, which also complained that people who were not fully digital were being disadvantaged –, Deutsche Bahn abandoned its plan. The new regulation did not affect the yellow departure time notices anyway. However, everything is to remain the same for the time being.
(mki)
