The Germany ticket could become more expensive. The transport ministers of the federal states are currently debating further financing - it could happen quickly.
Frankfurt – The Deutschlandticket will soon be celebrating its birthday: travelers have been able to buy the ticket since May 1, 2023. For just 49 euros per month - a comparatively affordable price - you can use all local buses and trains and even some long-distance transport. The ticket is a great relief, especially for commuters. But the price could soon rise massively.
Germany ticket price should remain stable: – but financing has not yet been clarified
The state transport ministers have been discussing this since Wednesday (April 17th). Although they hailed the Deutschlandticket as a tariff revolution and has already sold over 11 million copies since its introduction, they say it is uncertain whether the price of 49 euros can be maintained.
It was only in January of this year that the ministers announced that the price for the Germany ticket should remain constant. Christian Bernreiter, the Bavarian Minister of Transport, made it clear that this decision was based on Chancellor Olaf Scholz's promise that remaining funds from the previous year could be carried over to the current year. This is 350 million euros that are urgently needed by the states and transport companies.
Germany ticket could become significantly more expensive: “Heavier burden for passengers possible”
However, there has been no movement on this matter since November. “If the funds are not transferred, the Germany ticket will have to become more expensive this year or it will even be phased out completely,” warned Bernreiter. He wants to avoid both scenarios as they would represent a significant loss of trust.
Before decisions can be made on this matter, accurate revenue figures must be available, said Claus Ruhe Madsen, Schleswig-Holstein's transport minister. However, he also warned: “It may be that there will be a greater burden on passengers in the future and the price will rise.” Madsen demanded a sign from the federal government that it will continue to assume its responsibility for the Deutschlandticket after 2026. In order to compensate for the transport companies' loss of income due to the ticket, the federal government will pay 1.5 billion euros annually until 2025 according to the Regionalization Act - the states will also pay 1.5 billion.
Countries are demanding more money in order to be able to finance the Germany ticket
The federal government's so-called regionalization funds, which the states and transport associations use to order rail and bus connections from transport companies, have been controversial for years - the states are demanding more money. This is also related to a planned “expansion and modernization pact” for local public transport.
It remains uncertain how much more expensive the ticket could be in 2025 if the price remains at 49 euros this year.
Bild
reported a possible increase to 69 euros. Ramona Pop, board member of the Federal Association of Consumer Organizations, appealed: “The federal and state governments must now stick to their promise and keep the price stable, at least until 2030.” Permanent financing of the Deutschlandticket is necessary in order to attract even more people to buses and trains in the long term to win.
(tt with dpa)