DB passengers paid 25 Euros to leave packed train

[WestCoast]

Article from Deutsche Welle....

An intercity train in northern Germany was so full of passengers heading to the coast for the Easter weekend that Deutsche Bahn was forced to hand out vouchers to those who agreed to get off the train.

It was the start of the four-day Easter weekend. The weather forecast was exceptional: sunny, 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit). It seems thousands of Germans had the same idea: head to the sea.

But one train in Münster became so full on Friday that train operator Deutsche Bahn offered passengers without seats 25 euros ($36) to get off the train.

The train was traveling from the city of Frankfurt to the island of Sylt, which lies west of the German-Danish border. Sylt is a hugely popular holiday destination, offering traditional seaside fun, miles of golden sand and fresh sea air.

Safety concerns

A Deutsche Bahn spokesman explained that the InterCity 2310 was "hopelessly overcrowded." He said the train was forced to stop in Münster for safety reasons. Numerous passengers had been standing in the gangways, blocking emergency exits.

The train continued its journey north with minor delays

The police were on hand in case rail staff needed assistance. According to the spokesman, however, they did not intervene.

"We asked all passengers without reservations to leave the train," the spokesman said. "In the end, all the passengers showed understanding." He added that it was a "one-off incident."

The train continued on its journey, with 20 to 30 minutes delay. Most affected passengers were able to simply take the next train to Sylt.

I wouldn't mind being paid to get off this overcrowded train - sounds like a great deal! But I know from experience that some of the ICE and IC trains can become extremely overcrowded at times - I now purchase seat reservations if the DB website reckons the train will be busy.

Although, somehow I can't see CrossCountry paying out on their overcrowded Voyagers!

 

[185]

If DBs bosses came to Birmingham NS, and seen their own Cross Country trains at peak time, they would probably choke on their Schnitzels.

 

[northwichcat]

I'd like to see Northern and TPE take up the idea, especially as the Pacers which Northern operate are easily the least safe train to be stood up on when the train is in motion.

How much would tickets have costed on the DB service?

 

[WestCoast]

How much would tickets have costed on the DB service?

The IC 2310 runs once a day from Frankfurt to Sylt (a 9 hour journey) in the far north of the country. I've been on this train a few times (mainly for relatively short stretches), and it does get very busy when everyone wants to go to the coast in summer.

Fare wise: it depends. Single Sparpreis (advance) tickets on the 5 hour stretch between Münster and Westerland (Sylt) start at 29 Euros, but tend to sell in the region of 49-69 Euros in peak summer / school holidays. The standard flexible fare is 84 Euros.

DB charges a reservation fee for all tickets - in 2nd class a through journey costs 2.50 Euros (if booked at the time of booking) or 4.50 Euros (if booked separately). 5 Euros (or 11 Euros later) for a family/group reservation.

 

[LexyBoy]

A Deutsche Bahn spokesman explained that the InterCity 2310 was "hopelessly overcrowded." He said the train was forced to stop in Münster for safety reasons. Numerous passengers had been standing in the gangways, blocking emergency exits.

Standing in the gangways! Well, that's clearly not acceptable is it?!

 

[jon0844]

That's where the bikes are supposed to go!