German rail operator Deutsche Bahn raises some ticket prices

German rail operator Deutsche Bahn is raising ticket prices for some inter-city routes as of mid-December, the company said on Friday.

The state-owned company said its "flex" tickets, which allow passengers to choose from a range of different trains on their day of travel, will increase by 5.9% on average. It is also raising the prices of railcards allowing for unlimited nationwide travel and season tickets.

The price increases will come into force with the winter timetable from December 15, for which tickets can be booked from October 16.

The railway justified the price increases with "economic challenges and the significant increase in costs, particularly as a result of the latest collective agreements," referring to recent wage negotiations.

The rail operator faces a slew of financial troubles and recently sold its logistics unit DB Schenker, stating that it plans to use the proceeds to reduce debt and become more financially sustainable.

Deutsche Bahn plans to work on the structural rehabilitation of infrastructure, railway operations and economic efficiency over the next three years, boss Richard Lutz said last month.