Train customers often pay in addition to the flex price

With the so-called differentiated Flex Prize, Deutsche Bahn has increased its prices in a covert. According to calculations by the Pro-Bahn Personal Association and the Federal Association of the Federal Consumer Association, the normal price is up to 14 percent below or up to 17 percent above the usual tariff.

Fridays and Sundays are the prices higher, only lower on Saturdays. "This means that remote and weekend commuters in particular are asked for payment," criticized the associations. The company denied the allegations of a hidden price increase. The flex prices are saved in the timetable information in the long term and can be viewed by customers.

For more than three years, Deutsche Bahn has been trying to use the price to steer customers on selected routes to less frequented trains. On days with high demand, the flex price is more expensive and starts a little less if only a few customers book. Airlines are the model for this.

The railway did not go into the calculations of the associations. However, she pointed out that remote tariffs have dropped by an average of 12 percent since 2015. In addition to the VAT discount for railway tickets from 19 to 7 percent a good year ago, savings and super savings prices also contributed.

© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210226-99-605483/3

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