The increase in the price of the Germany ticket is causing a wave of criticism. The transport ministers also felt this at their conference in Duisburg.
Several associations and organizations protested in front of the meeting location of the Transport Ministers’ Conference in Duisburg against the price increase for the Deutschlandticket and for a socially and climate-friendly transport transition. The Federation for the Environment and Nature Conservation Germany (BUND NRW) and the Paritätische Wohlfahrtsverband NRW reiterated their demand for a nationwide social ticket priced at 29 euros as well as an educational ticket for students and trainees. According to police information, around 120 participants took part in the joint protest.
“Climate-friendly mobility must not be a luxury, but must remain affordable for everyone,” said Andrea Büngeler from the Paritätischer Wohlfahrtsverband. Kerstin Ciesla from BUND said: “Climate and social justice are inseparable. A mobility transition is only possible if everyone is included.”
Germany ticket will now cost 58 euros
At a special conference at the end of September, the transport ministers decided that the Germany ticket, which currently costs 49 euros, will be nine euros more expensive from 2025 and should cost 58 euros per month. But for how long is unclear. The condition for a long-term stable price is continued financial support from the federal government. So far, the federal and state governments are each adding around 1.5 billion euros annually. However, 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 should start next year.
The Allianz pro Schiene passenger association also called for reliability. “The Germany ticket must not have an expiry date,” said managing director Dirk Flege. The conference of transport ministers must agree on this. Reliability with Deutschlandticket means more subscribers. “And more subscribers not only mean solid financing for the ticket. They also mean that we are making progress with the transport transition.”
The transport ministers of the federal states met on Wednesday for their autumn conference in Duisburg. On the agenda, in addition to the further debate about the Germany ticket, are the necessary investments in the ailing transport infrastructure in many places. The states are putting pressure on the federal government to set up a special fund worth billions.
Source: Stern
