The transport departments from Lower Saxony and Bremen are calling for a quick agreement with the federal government on the future financing of the 49 euro ticket. The ticket is very well received and brings in a number of new customers, which is why it should not be allowed to fall under the radar, said Bremen’s mobility senator Özlem Ünsal to the German Press Agency.
“As states, we call on the federal government to share the financing burden fairly. This is the only way we can maintain the attractive price of 49 euros,” said the SPD politician. Transport companies and associations needed planning and financing security to continue from January.
“The federal government must move here and ensure adequate financing of the Deutschlandticket together with the states. The responsibility now lies with the federal government; the states stand by their commitments with the decision of the recent transport ministers’ conference, but cannot cope with the loss of revenue on their own.” said the senator.
Dispute over additional costs
The Ministry of Transport in Hanover also demanded reliability. “The states are prepared to cover their share of the additional costs. Now the federal government, as the initiator of the ticket, must also follow suit and guarantee its half of the financing,” said a ministry spokesman.
While the basic financing of the ticket between the federal and state governments has been clarified for the coming years, the dispute is primarily about the additional costs incurred by transport companies. This year, the federal and state governments each covered half of this. There is still no regulation for next year. The 49 euro ticket has been available since May. Customers can use local and regional transport nationwide.
In the dispute with the federal states, Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing recently warned against speculation about the uncertain future of the offer. “Of course I assume that the ticket will continue to exist because it is very successful,” said the FDP politician in the Bundestag last week.
Questions and answers from the federal government about the Deutschlandticket
