Before the end of the bus and train discount, one wonders if the promotion for public transport was successful. One thing is clear: many went with them. But whether they get back on board is also a question of price.
According to their own statements, many buyers of the 9-euro ticket have replaced their cars with buses and trains. According to a Yougov survey for the German Press Agency, 31 percent of adults often used the campaign ticket on routes that they would otherwise have covered in the car. A further 18 percent stated that they had always replaced their car with local public transport.
On the other hand, a quarter of those questioned admitted that this had never been the case with them. 22 percent rarely drove with the discounted ticket on routes where they would otherwise have traveled by car.
The 9-euro monthly ticket for buses and trains will be offered for the last time in August. It is still valid nationwide in local transport until the end of the month. The three-month campaign was intended to relieve commuters in view of high energy prices. In addition, the federal government wanted to persuade more people to switch to public transport for climate protection.
Excursions and commutes to work
According to the survey, 28 percent of Germans have bought a nine-euro ticket at least once. Another 22 percent already had a subscription for local transport and were able to enjoy a corresponding discount.
According to this, every second person used the 9-euro ticket primarily for private trips. Almost a quarter of those surveyed mainly used the campaign ticket to go to work. Just as many used it primarily for tourist trips and excursions.
It was not asked whether these journeys would also have taken place without the 9-euro ticket. An industry study had shown that around a quarter of the journeys made in public transport would not have been made without the ticket – the campaign also led to additional journeys.
The statements of the 9-euro ticket users differ as to whether they will use public transport more frequently in the future than before the campaign. 18 percent definitely want to use the bus and train more often in the future, while 22 percent don’t want to. The vast majority of 55 percent only want to do this if there is another similarly cheap ticket.
The willingness to pay for a possible follow-up offer varies. 31 percent opted for the answer option 29 euros per month. 23 percent would rather have a 9-euro ticket again. The monthly prices of 49 euros and 69 euros that were also discussed are much less popular.
From August 22 to 24, Yougov surveyed 2038 participants of the Yougov Panel Germany online. According to the opinion research institute, the sample is representative of the population aged 18 and over.
Source: Stern
Jane Stock is a technology author, who has written for 24 Hours World. She writes about the latest in technology news and trends, and is always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to improve his audience’s experience.
