Three years after the introduction of the Deutschlandticket, municipalities and associations are calling for an expansion of local and regional transport in Germany. “The federal and state governments must finally implement the announced modernization pact for public transport,” said Christian Schuchardt, general manager of the German Association of Cities, to the German Press Agency. “It is important to work together with the transport associations and municipal companies to offer passengers a Germany offer: with more lines, more frequent intervals and additional mobility offers.”
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BUND transport expert Jens Hilgenberg said that further development potential in public transport must now be leveraged. “We need more lines, closer frequency, longer trains and electric buses.” In order to make the mobility transition more socially fair, the BUND is also proposing the introduction of an income-independent mobility allowance that could replace the current commuter allowance. The Association of German Transport Companies called for an expansion of services and improvements in frequency so that the ticket has a nationwide impact.
From the perspective of the Pro-Rail Alliance, the potential of the Germany Ticket is far from exhausted. Managing director Dirk Flege said that people in cities have often benefited more from the Deutschlandticket than in rural regions, where connections to buses and trains often leave something to be desired.
“The Deutschlandticket is a promise that public transport is easy and uncomplicated to use,” said Flege. “In addition to a fair price structure, this also includes ensuring that everyone has an appropriate public transport option on their doorstep.”
Deutschlandticket is three years old
The Deutschlandticket has been available since May 1, 2023 – at that time at the introductory price of 49 euros per month. The subscription, which can be canceled monthly, has around 14.5 million users and enables travel on regional and local transport nationwide. It significantly simplified previously existing tariff structures.
At the beginning of the year, the price rose to 63 euros per month – previously users paid 58 euros per month for the ticket. From 2027 onwards, the price will be calculated based on an index that includes personnel, energy and general costs. It is still unclear what the ticket will cost. In view of the price debate, EVG chairman Martin Burkert recently even brought up temporary discounts on the Germany ticket in order to relieve commuters of the high fuel prices.
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The federal and state governments provide compensation money
Because the ticket is cheaper than previous regional subscriptions, there is a loss of income for transport companies. That’s why the federal and state governments each give 1.5 billion euros per year. The transport ministers had agreed to make this funding permanent until 2030.
Schuchardt demanded that the transport companies’ loss of income due to the discounted ticket must be fully compensated for by the federal and state governments. “Otherwise there is an affordable Germany ticket, but there is not enough money for operation, quality and expansion of the range of buses and trains.”
Reduce fuel consumption
Greenpeace mobility expert Marissa Reiserer said the success of the Deutschlandticket saved at least 500 million liters of fuel last year. “The many millions of public transport subscriptions replace car journeys, relieve pressure on roads and wallets, advance climate protection – and make Germany less dependent on oil imports.” But instead of reviving the successful model of the 9 euro ticket, the federal government is returning to the failed fuel discount. From May 1st until the end of June, a fuel discount is intended to reduce fuel prices, which have risen sharply after the Iran war.
What is the potential of the ticket?
In mid-April, the Federal Ministry of Transport published an interim report on the evaluation of the Germany Ticket. Accordingly, the ticket saved around 2.5 million tons of CO₂ in 2024 alone. Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU) said that demand is particularly high in metropolises, but at the same time the ticket also plays a relevant role in more rural areas. According to a report, there is additional potential for up to 5.8 million more Germany tickets. This can be achieved primarily by reactivating previous users and consistent marketing.
The Association of German Transport Companies commented: “We do not see the alleged potential for additional customers with the Deutschlandticket in the sales figures. Rather, it is the case that due to the immense economic pressure on the transport companies, the public transport offering is becoming worse nationwide.” That’s why there has been hardly any growth in the Deutschlandticket for months.
But there was also initially great potential for the Deutschlandticket: last year the number of fraud attempts was still estimated to be in the millions. Poor security measures opened the door to fraudsters, which could have caused up to 500 million euros in damage. Many transport companies and associations are now implementing safety measures to curb the problem.
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