While the federal government struggles to iron out the final details of a VAT reduction for long-distance rail travel, Deutsche Bahn has pressed on ahead and announced that next year it will make one of its cheapest tickets even cheaper. 

Super saver fares cheaper next year

According to a Deutsche Bahn spokesperson, from January 1, 2020, onwards, the starting price for a “Super Saver Fare” (Supersparpreis) will be reduced from 19,90 euros to 17,90 euros - a reduction of around 10 percent. 

Originally, the company had envisaged that a 10 percent price reduction on all tickets would be made possible by the VAT reduction promised in the federal government’s climate package. But with the federal states digging their heels in over the proposed changes to taxation, Deutsche Bahn has decided to press ahead regardless and lower the starting price. 

The rail company also announced last month that it would not, for once, be increasing ticket prices in December.

VAT reduction for rail travel continues to be debated

A mediation committee will continue negotiating the government’s climate protection plans on Monday. The reduction in VAT was originally meant to come into effect in January 2020, but the Bundestag and the Bundesrat must first agree on a new law - no mean feat.