Federal Administration Finances Employees for Clearing Out Railway Quarters Surrounding Corona Virus Outbreak
In a recent development, the federal government and the railway have maintained their stance against the implementation of a guaranteed minimum distance for all passengers in long-distance trains. This decision has caused confusion within the Bundestag, with various political figures expressing their concerns.
Stefan Gelbhaar, transport spokesman for the Greens, has expressed confusion about why the federal government guarantees a minimum distance in trains only for employees and not for all passengers. FDP transport politician, Christian Jung, has reiterated that a reservation obligation would be appropriate in the current situation.
However, the railway and the Ministry of Transport continue to refer to the lack of evidence of a particular infection risk in trains. They are adamant about sticking to the open system without a reservation obligation.
In contrast, the federal government plans to reimburse civil servants and ministry employees for booking an additional, empty seat on business trips. This extended reimbursement option will initially be granted until the end of March in the Federal Travel Expenses Act.
The purpose of this measure is to maintain more distance from fellow travelers for infection control. A similar reimbursement option applies to train journeys, where an additional neighboring seat can be booked, not just reserved.
A photograph, taken by dts Nachrichtenagentur on November 4, 2020, shows a sparsely occupied ICE train, highlighting the current situation in long-distance trains.
The lack of a guaranteed minimum distance in long-distance trains for all passengers continues to be a contentious issue, with many questioning the rationale behind the federal government's approach. Without specific information on the policy, speculative reasons might include workplace safety, cost and public resources, and public health policy considerations.
Other political parties, such as the Greens and FDP, have voiced concerns about the federal government's decision not to implement a guaranteed minimum distance for all passengers in long-distance trains. This is in contrast to the finance allocated for business trips, where civil servants and ministry employees are reimbursed for booking an additional, empty seat for infection control.
