The Germany subscription will probably become more expensive in January. The federal states have agreed on this. What does the federal government say about this?
The federal government has expressed understanding for the actions of the federal states in setting the price of the Germany subscription. “In view of the general price increases and the collective agreements with the states, it was entirely foreseeable and also appropriate that there would be a price adjustment,” said the Parliamentary State Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Transport (BMDV), Michael Theurer (FDP), to the “Rheinische Post”. Tariff sovereignty for public transport lies with the states. “The fact that the states are now also taking public responsibility for their tasks is to be welcomed.”
Nevertheless, the key to financing the ticket lies in the number of subscriptions sold and in the fact that “efficiency reserves released by the ticket in the sales structures and in the number of transport associations are actually used,” emphasised Theurer. The federal states should first examine this before starting a price debate.
At a special conference, the transport ministers of the federal states announced an increase in the monthly subscription, which currently costs 49 euros, from January. This would be necessary even if all planned funds from the federal and state governments were to flow as agreed, according to the conference resolution.
Always a dispute over financing
The Deutschlandticket has been available since May 2023. It allows holders to travel on regional and local buses and trains nationwide and without restrictions. The subscription can be canceled monthly and is considered an important tool for standardizing and simplifying the confusing tariff situation in German public transport. However, there has always been a dispute between the federal and state governments about financing. Ultimately, the cheaper offer results in lost revenue for transport companies, which must be compensated for.
How much more expensive the Deutschlandticket will be from next year is still unclear. The federal states want to clarify this at another transport ministers’ conference in the autumn, said NRW Transport Minister Oliver Krischer (Greens). The states’ announcement, however, met with criticism from the government factions. “The constant debates about the price of Mr Krischer’s ticket are intended to distract from long-overdue reforms,” said FDP parliamentary group vice-chair Carina Konrad. “Outdated and expensive structures in local transport must be reformed.”
Source: Stern
