The train drivers' union GDL is once again increasing the pressure in the wage dispute with Deutsche Bahn with a new six-day strike that begins on Wednesday.
When is the strike ?
The new strike is set to last from Wednesday January 24th at 2am until 6pm on Monday January 29th.
Which services are affected?
The state-owned company is again expecting considerable restrictions in long-distance, regional and freight transport.
DB will be publishing an emergency time-table with "greatly reduced services", it said. "For these journeys, DB is using longer trains with more seats on long-distance services in order to get as many people as possible to their destinations."
"As with the previous strikes, around a fifth of long-distance trains are expected to be cancelled nationwide," a DB spokeswoman told DPA.
Passengers can use tickets booked for the strike period again at a later date. The six-day strike will affect all Deutsche Bahn long-distance and regional trains, as well as the S-Bahn in many cities.
Previous strikes have shown that GDL employees are especially well organised in eastern and southwestern states, whereas in other areas there may be enough employees for limited service. "In any case, there will also be massive restrictions on all regional services," said Deutsche Bahn on Tuesday.
Anyone looking to travel during the strike should check travel options online before setting off.
Passengers can turn to Deutsche Bahn’s website, which is to be updated with the latest information. The Local also published an overview of the exact routes operating around all regions in Germany.
Which services aren't affected?
In cities, other services like buses and the U-Bahn are running, while national rail companies such as Flixtrain, Enon and Metronom will be unaffected by strikes.
In local transport, attempts are being made to organise additional replacement routes with buses.
How much compensation is payable in the event of a delay
EU passenger rights for delayed train rights also apply in the case of a strike. Depending on the length of the delay, part or all of the fare can be refunded.
The amount of compensation depends on the delay:
- If passengers arrive at least 60 minutes later than planned, they are entitled to a 25 per cent refund.
- If they are more than 120 minutes late, they are entitled to 50 per cent.
From a foreseeable delay of more than one hour, passengers can also forgo the journey and demand a full refund of the ticket price.
Deutsche Bahn is also obliged to offer free refreshments and meals in reasonable proportion to the waiting time in the event of a delay of more than one hour. If these snacks are not provided, travellers should also keep the bills for their meals.
How do passengers get their money refunded?
Customers should be prepared to take their own initiative, Deutsche Bahn will not transfer any money to them otherwise. The passenger rights form is available either on the train, at the travel centre or online, via the DB app and on their website.
READ ALSO: EXPLAINED: How to get compensation for cancelled or delayed trains in Germany
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