Germany’s state-operated railway system has finally figured out how to make compensation for delays take less time to claim than the delays, adding a claim section to its smartphone app.
Deutsche Bahn rules allow passengers delated by an hour to claim a 25% refund; if the delay is longer than two hours, the refund is 50%. Up to now, getting a refund has required either filling out a paper form and mailing it to DB, or applying at a walk-in service center. Starting June 1st, all it will take is a few taps on DB’s Navigator app.
Bad news for some intrepid entrepreneurs, though: The complexity and slow speed of the old process has spawned an industry of startup companies that offer apps to collect your data, file the paperwork with DB and send you your refund—minus a commission. Perhaps they can find another railroad that’s still in the last century to move on to.
