Since the introduction of free public transport in 2020, sales of first-class tickets have risen remarkably. Five years ago, around 25,500 first-class tickets were sold, compared to 38,200 this year, a rise of nearly 50%.
In response to a parliamentary enquiry, Mobility Minister Yuriko Backes further reveals that monthly first-class season tickets have also increased slightly, while yearly subscriptions have dropped modestly, now standing at just 200.
Despite the rise in first-class ticket sales, first-class carriages remain underused, with average occupancy rates ranging between 10% and 16%. In contrast, second-class compartments are much busier: Depending on the route, trains running between Luxembourg and Metz see second-class occupancy rates between 38% and 96%.
Minister Backes also highlighted that conductors are authorised to offer first-class seats to second-class passengers on the spot, provided second class is overcrowded and first class is underutilised.
On average, just 13% of first-class seats are reserved across the network.
