FROMSeptember 2002, German Railway will introduce a revised fares structure similar to airline practice, with discounted prices offered for long-distance tickets booked in advance. To qualify for the lower price passengers will have to make fixed reservations, enabling DB to set and enforce quotas for each type of ticket.
Return tickets for journeys over 150 km purchased seven or more days in advance of travel with a Saturday night stay will qualify for a 40% discount. Returns bought three days in advance will get 25% off. For single or return tickets bought one day ahead of travel, DB will offer 10% off the standard fare.
The basic discount for tickets purchased with the popular Bahncard will be cut from 50% to 25%, but the initial cost of the Bahncard will be reduced and the discount will continue to apply on advance-purchase tickets.
