German Railway Price Hike

For the second time this year, commuters all over Germany are forced to swallow the bitter pill of a 2.6% - 4.9%  increase in ticket prices - despite the German railway service achieving record results!
The management blame it on exploding energy prices and above-average pay settlements. Many people are forming car-pools, although this a catch 22 - what with the escalating petrol prices. Those that are lucky enough to live in the same place they work opt for the bicycle or the scooter instead.
But what really ticks people off is the fact that after all is said and done, and after multiple strikes at the expense and inconvenience of the traveller, the service of the German railway still remains mediocre at best, abominable at worst (which is usually the case).

As an aside...the German railway is going public in October. The price hike wouldn't have anything to do with this, would it, Deutsche Bahn, hmm???