It is considered a major experiment in German local transport with buses and trains: millions of people bought the 9-euro ticket. Findings from the experiment will now be presented.
Shortly before the last 9-euro tickets for local transport expire, the transport companies want to take stock this Monday (1 p.m.). Around 38 million copies had been sold by the beginning of August alone. Monthly passes were offered for June, July and August; Passengers could use local transport nationwide. There is now lively discussion about successor solutions.
Deutsche Bahn sees a success in the experiment. “In the last three months, an average of ten percent more passengers have traveled in our regional transport than before Corona,” board member Evelyn Palla announced on Sunday. Every fifth user has rediscovered public transport.
The action was intended to relieve commuters in the face of high energy prices. In addition, it should advertise a switch to buses and trains. However, studies during the campaign period initially showed only a slight shifting effect. The industry also suspects that many journeys would probably not have been made without the cheap ticket.
Federal Environment Agency calls for more attractive local transport
The transport companies, like the federal states, are demanding a successor plan. You can find support from the Federal Environment Agency. It speaks of an urgently needed door opener, with which public transport would gradually be recognized as an attractive alternative to the car.
However, Federal Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP) does not see any funds for a new 9-euro ticket. The federal government had financed the three-month campaign with 2.5 billion euros to compensate for loss of income at transport companies. The Association of German Transport Companies is committed to a 69-euro ticket. He estimates the costs at two billion euros per year.
The industry association had asked 6,000 passengers weekly about the 9-euro ticket over the past few months and now wants to present the results. The “interim balance” is presented with several state transport ministers.
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.
