BahnCard 25 in subscription
I had a Bahncard 25 subscription, valid until September 2009.
Since the price increased by a few euros this year, I immediately cancelled my subscription and returned the new card - valid until September 2010 - upon receiving it. I cited the reason for cancellation as not being informed about the price increase for the new card by the railway company.
The railway accepted the cancellation, but only effective from the expiration of the new Bahncard in September 2010, as the cancellation was not submitted 6 weeks before the expiration of the old Bahncard. I am now required to pay for another full year.
I wrote back again, explaining that I never received any information about the price increase, and returned the card once more. I can prove that the railway did not send any information, as all incoming mail is registered in our company. Therefore, it is verifiable that no such information from the railway was received.
In response to these allegations, the railway now states the following:
Information about the upcoming price increase was publicly communicated over a month in advance, including in press, radio, and other media outlets.
The railway has also announced that they will resend the returned Bahncard and, if necessary, pursue the payment for the entire year through legal means.
Is all of this legal?? Am I required to pay for the Bahncard for a year, even though I was not informed about the price increase?? Does it count as being informed if the press reports that the card will become more expensive?? Can I now refuse to accept the new Bahncard and return it again??
If possible, I would like to challenge the railway on this matter, if there is a chance to do so.
