From 2025, journeys with the Deutschlandticket will cost 58 euros per month instead of the current 49 euros. It is not yet clear until when this price will apply and how many people will buy the ticket for the higher price.
Following the decision to introduce a more expensive Germany ticket from 2025, calls for cheaper alternatives and a stable price are becoming louder. “Many people who receive a basic pension or citizen’s allowance will not be able to afford the Germany ticket for 58 euros. It is time to finally introduce a social tariff of 29 euros,” said the president of the social association VdK, Verena Bentele, to the German Press Agency. In addition, the ticket should not only be available as a subscription solution, but also as a monthly ticket.
The chairwoman of the German Social Association (SoVD), Michaela Engelmeier, also spoke out in favor of a nationwide social ticket for a maximum of 29 euros. The price increase is “bad news for millions of users.” “For many, especially financially weaker people, the ticket, which was already too expensive, has now become unattainable,” explained Engelmeier.
Demand for price guarantee
The Conference of Transport Ministers decided on Monday that the Germany Ticket, which currently costs 49 euros, should cost 58 euros per month from 2025. But it is unclear for how long. Some state ministers hope that the price will remain in place well into 2026. However, this is conditional on continued financial support from the federal government. So far, the federal and state governments have each contributed around 1.5 billion euros annually. But this only applies up to and including 2025. According to the Federal Ministry of Transport, the legislative process for the permanent financing of the ticket from 2026 is to start next year.
The General German Automobile Club (ADAC) spoke out in favor of a stable price in the long term. “The increase in the price of the Deutschlandticket by nine euros must be accompanied by a price guarantee for more than a year,” said ADAC transport president Gerhard Hillebrand. In view of the significant price increase, consumers need long-term planning. In order not to jeopardize the acceptance of the Deutschlandticket, the urgently needed expansion of public transport services, especially in rural areas, must not be forgotten.
Helmut Dedy, the general manager of the German Association of Cities, also advocated the expansion of local public transport. “We need significantly more resources locally for more buses and trains with short intervals and attractive networks, as well as the necessary staff. This cannot be achieved through the price of tickets, but must be provided by the federal and state governments,” Dedy stressed to the German Press Agency. A cheap ticket is of little use if the service is not right. The federal and state governments must invest more money.
Source: Stern
