Traffic: NRW calls for a quick decision on the Germany ticket

NRW Transport Minister Oliver Krischer (Greens) is calling on the Bundestag to make a quick decision on financing issues regarding the Deutschlandticket after the traffic lights have been turned off. In a letter from the chairman of the Conference of Transport Ministers to the parliamentary group leaders of the Union, SPD, Greens and FDP, with regard to changes to the regionalization law, it is said that passing the law much later in 2025 in the coming electoral period or not at all would endanger the financing basis of the predominantly municipal transport companies. This has “unforeseeable consequences” for the continued existence of the ticket. The letter is available to the German Press Agency.

The authorities responsible for implementing the Germany Ticket need the security that they will not be stuck with the costs of the Germany Ticket, said Krischer. In addition, public authorities and transport companies have long since aligned their structures with the Deutschlandticket, as politically desired, which would present them with considerable challenges if the regionalization law is not changed.

A change to the regionalization law should make it possible for funds not used for the ticket in 2023 to be used in subsequent years. If this does not happen, there is a risk of a financing gap. The law also stipulates that the federal government will continue to contribute 1.5 billion euros per year for the ticket next year, as will the states. The Conference of Transport Ministers decided in September that the Germany ticket, which currently costs 49 euros, should cost 58 euros per month from 2025.

Agreement between federal and state governments

Krischer recalled the agreement of the Prime Minister’s Conference with Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) on November 6, 2023 on the transfer of unused federal funds: “The continued existence of the Deutschlandticket depends largely on the implementation of the agreement of the Prime Minister’s Conference with the Federal Chancellor on November 6, 2023.” In the interest of the users of the Deutschlandticket and the authorities and transport companies responsible for its implementation, no further time should be lost. Planning security must be created.

“The Deutschlandticket has revolutionized bus and train travel and made it cheaper and easier for millions of people,” Krischer told dpa. “There was a consensus on this – including with the Prime Minister and Transport Ministers of the Union. Anyone who now cancels these reliable promises in order to run a cheap election campaign is acting irresponsibly towards the transport associations and all people for whom the ticket has become an important companion in everyday life. “

SPD assumes receipt of the Deutschlandticket

The new SPD general secretary Matthias Miersch does not assume that the CDU and CSU will allow the Germany ticket to expire. In the ZDF “Morgenmagazin” he said he couldn’t imagine that. CSU boss Markus Söder had previously questioned the future of the Deutschlandticket on Tuesday and, given the poor economic situation, no longer sees any prospects for it.

When asked about this statement, Miersch said: “Thank God we now have a basis, because the election date has been set, that we can now perhaps talk objectively and calmly about one or two questions.”