Ukraine refugees are no longer allowed to ride KVB free of charge – also because of the 9-euro ticket

Created: 05/24/2022, 12:49 p.m

By: Johanna Werning

From June 1st, refugees from the Ukraine have to travel by bus and train (IDZRW assembly) © IPON/Imago & Jochen Tack/Imago

On May 31, the "pass = ticket" regulation for Ukraine refugees ends.

Free travel is also no longer possible with the KVB in Cologne and in the VRS area.

Cologne – War has been raging in Mariupol, Kyiv and many other cities in Ukraine for three months.

On February 24, Russian troops attacked Ukraine.

Since then, 6.5 million refugees have fled across the borders.

Many people have also found protection in Cologne.

Since the beginning of March, refugees from the Ukraine have been able to travel with the KVB for free.

But the so-called "pass = ticket" regulation is now over in Cologne, in the entire VRS area and throughout Germany, reports 24RHEIN.

Because of the 9-euro ticket: Ukraine refugees are no longer allowed to travel on KVB free of charge from June

“This regulation now ends, as in the other transport companies, on May 31st.

The KVB is thus following a recommendation by the Association of German Transport Companies (VDV),” the Cologne-based company said on Tuesday, May 24.

The VRS continues: "The background to this decision is that the federal government has now taken far-reaching measures to support the refugees within the framework of basic security.

This includes in particular financial aid, which also includes services for local public transport.

It is therefore appropriate to let the free ride rule end now.

This ensures that all people are treated equally in basic security."

This includes, among other things, the 9-euro ticket, which is valid from June 1st.

Advance sales of the 9-euro ticket started in Cologne and other cities on Monday, May 23rd.

As KVB spokesman Matthias Pesch explained when asked by 24RHEIN, there were long queues due to the start of sales on Monday.

The 9-euro ticket: What users need to know

► How and where the 9 euro ticket can be bought

► What Cologne residents need to know about the 9-euro KVB ticket

► Where the 9 euro ticket is valid

Ukraine refugees need tickets for bus and train - but there are exceptions

In addition to the federal aid, however, there should continue to be “quick help for Ukraine refugees on selected routes near the border in local transport as a gesture of goodwill,” reports the VDV.

"Refugees can find out about the conditions for their journey in advance from the railway company responsible for their route." In addition, a "helpukraine" ticket is still available at selected main arrival stations such as Berlin, Cottbus or Hanover, with which you can travel anywhere in Germany with the train can be driven.

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