The train strike that has paralyzed Germany’s transportation system since Wednesday has affected millions of people who rely on Deutsche Bahn (DB) for their daily commute, business trips, or leisure travel. However, some people have found creative ways to cope with the situation and reach their destinations despite the challenges.
One such example is the Müller family, who had planned to move from Berlin to Munich this week. They had booked their tickets for the ICE train months in advance, hoping for a smooth and comfortable journey. However, when they learned that their train was cancelled due to the strike, they had to look for alternative options.
“We were shocked and frustrated when we heard the news,” said Anna Müller, the mother of the family. “We had packed all our belongings and were ready to go, but suddenly we had no way to get to our new home.”
The family considered several options, such as renting a car, taking a bus, or flying. However, they faced difficulties with each of them. Renting a car was too expensive and risky, as they had to drive for almost five hours on unfamiliar roads. Taking a bus was also costly and time-consuming, as they had to change buses several times and endure long waits. Flying was not an option either, as the flights were fully booked or overpriced.
“We were running out of time and options,” said Anna. “We had to be in Munich by Friday, as we had to sign the contract for our new apartment and start our new jobs on Monday.”
The family then decided to try a ridesharing service, which connects drivers and passengers who are traveling in the same direction. They found a driver who was willing to take them from Berlin to Munich for a reasonable price. They contacted him and agreed on the details.
“We were a bit nervous about sharing a car with a stranger, but we had no choice,” said Anna. “We hoped that he would be friendly and reliable.”
The driver, who introduced himself as Markus, turned out to be a pleasant and helpful person. He arrived on time, helped the family load their luggage, and offered them snacks and drinks. He also played music and games to keep them entertained during the trip.
“He was very nice and made us feel comfortable,” said Anna. “He told us stories about his life and his travels, and we also shared ours. We had a lot in common and had a lot of fun.”
The trip took about six hours, with a few stops along the way. The family enjoyed the scenery and the conversation, and did not feel bored or tired. They arrived in Munich safely and on time, and thanked Markus for his kindness and generosity.
“He was a lifesaver,” said Anna. “He made our move possible and enjoyable. We exchanged phone numbers and promised to keep in touch. We even invited him to visit us in our new apartment.”
The family was happy to have reached their destination, but also sad to leave their old home and their new friend. They hoped that the strike would end soon and that the transportation system would return to normal.
“We are grateful for the experience, but we also hope that we won’t have to do it again,” said Anna. “We love traveling by train, and we hope that we can use it again in the future.”