Status: 28/09/2023, 13:47 p.m.
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Since 1 May, it has been possible to use the Deutschlandticket for public transport. Now there is a special conference to discuss the future of the ticket. © Boris Roessler/dpa
The Deutschlandticket is a model of success. But it could already be on the brink again. The federal states are calling for a commitment from the federal government to further financing. But that doesn't happen.
Berlin/Dusseldorf - In the dispute over the further financing of the successful 49-euro Deutschlandticket, the fronts between the federal and state governments have hardened. Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing (FDP) rejects new talks with the states about additional federal funds for the Deutschlandticket. Wissing cancelled his participation in a special digital conference of the transport ministers of the federal states. However, his ministry is said to be represented in the round.
Financial issues had been clarified by 2025 within the framework of a conference of prime ministers, combined with the agreement to talk about further financing and structure of the Deutschlandticket in 2025, said the FDP politician in the ntv program "Frühstart" on Thursday. "And now it's 2023."
Even in the "Rheinische Post" Wissing did not accommodate the states. "There is a clear decision by the Conference of Minister-Presidents on the financing issues of the Deutschlandticket. I am therefore very surprised that it is claimed that there are still open questions until 2025," he said. From the point of view of the federal government, there is "no reason to question the successful Deutschlandticket".
Since 1 May, you can use the D-Ticket to travel on buses and trains in nationwide local transport for 49 euros a month - with a digitally bookable subscription that can be cancelled monthly. NRW Transport Minister Oliver Krischer, who is currently chairman of the transport ministers' conference, had warned of an end to the offer. If a solution is not found very promptly, then the successful ticket model will "very quickly become history again," the Green politician said.
"Obligation to make additional contributions" controversial
According to an agreement in principle, the federal and state governments will each contribute 2025.1 billion euros per year until 5. However, the possible additional costs of the ticket are controversial. In the first year, half of the additional costs are to be shared - but this "obligation to make additional contributions" will be open from 2024.
The Association of German Transport Companies expects additional costs for the Deutschlandticket of 1.1 billion euros in 2024. Krischer had said that the countries were prepared to pay half of the additional costs. So far, however, no clear signal has come from the federal government.
Wissing now said on ntv that the federal states should rather make the necessary structural changes instead of conducting financial discussions. More than 60 transport associations in Germany are far too many, and the states have a lot to do here.
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Harsh criticism from several sides
Associations and trade unions are calling for long-term, reliable financing of the Deutschlandticket. "We can't afford to repeat every year the egg dance that took place when it was introduced for financing," said ver.di deputy chairwoman Christine Behle. "If politicians manoeuvre here for weeks, it leads to uncertainty and a standstill in public transport."
According to the Federation of German Consumer Organisations (vzbv), financing must be secured so that the Deutschlandticket is successful in the long term and more people use local transport. "The Deutschlandticket is a milestone for public transport," said vzbv board member Ramona Pop. With the new ticket, the use of buses and trains is "easier than ever", and most consumers are much cheaper. However, the discussions about financing caused uncertainty. Pop spoke out against a possible price increase. "A price increase of the recently introduced Deutschlandticket for 49 euros is unacceptable."
The environmental organization Greenpeace criticized Wissing. "With this fatal stalemate, Volker Wissing is jeopardizing the only success that the Minister of Transport has to show for climate protection after two years."
The organisation Campact and the VCD traffic club described the Deutschlandticket as a central step towards social and ecological mobility. "Instead of just sinking the money into motorways, Wissing must finally secure the future of bus and train travel." By the time of the regular conference of transport ministers on October 11 and 12 in Cologne at the latest, Wissing must pledge the money for 2024. Dpa