Public transport
Wissing for the permanent continuation of the Deutschlandticket
Transport Minister Wissing is convinced that the Deutschlandticket has revolutionized local transport in Germany. The nationwide subscription for buses and trains should therefore be made permanent, he says.
Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing (independent) has spoken out in favor of a permanent continuation of the Deutschlandticket. “That would be necessary because there is a lot of innovative power in the Deutschlandticket,” he told the German Press Agency. “This is not only a practical and attractively priced ticket, but the Deutschlandticket is also a digitization offensive for local public transport,” emphasized Wissing.
So far, the financing of the offer is only secured until the end of 2025, provided that a majority of the Bundestag and Bundesrat approve a corresponding regulation on Friday, as expected.
Wissing: Further development is only possible with a permanent contract
Wissing argued that digitalization in local public transport is urgently needed. However, the ticket can only be further developed if it is made permanent. “I appeal to everyone to do this. The citizens want it,” emphasized Wissing.
Since May 2023, the Deutschlandabo has made it possible to travel on local and regional buses and trains nationwide. In January, the monthly price will rise by almost a fifth from the current 49 euros to 58 euros. However, Wissing does not assume that many people will cancel their subscription because of this. The attractive price is one thing, he said. “But the ease of handling is just as important. And of course there is also the fact that the tickets were significantly more expensive before the introduction of the Deutschlandticket.”
Even with the new price, it’s still significantly cheaper than before
In rural areas in particular, customers would have quickly paid more than 200 euros for a local transport subscription. “And that’s why the Germany ticket remains a very attractive offer, even with the price now slightly increased by the states.”
Federal funding is still set for next year. Like the states, the federal government contributes 1.5 billion euros per year to compensate for lost revenue in the transport industry due to the Deutschlandticket. Union parliamentary group vice-president Ulrich Lange (CSU) said: “What happens after 2025 must be decided by the new federal government together with the new coalition.”
dpa
Source: Stern
