As before, the federal and state governments are coordinating with representatives of the municipalities and transport companies “in order to create the conditions for the most attractive offer possible,” according to the information in the statement from the Ministry of Transport. There are still “a number of open points” about the introduction of the so-called Germany ticket, which are currently being clarified.
The traffic policy spokesman for the Union faction, Thomas Bareiß (CDU), criticized the delay in the offer in the “Rheinische Post”. This was initially supposed to start in January, then on April 1st and a few days ago Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing (FDP) called May 1st. “But nothing happened.”
Germany’s top consumer advocate, Ramona Pop, meanwhile called for a round table on the 49-euro ticket to strengthen passenger rights. “In order for the Germany ticket to work, it has to be customer-oriented,” said the chairwoman of the Federal Association of Consumer Organizations to the editorial network Germany (RND). “We are calling for a round table for this. Without adequate participation from civil society and passenger and consumer associations, consumer interests are at risk of being crushed.”
At the same time, Pop warned of mistakes in the design: “The 9-euro ticket inspired a lot of people,” she said. Unfortunately, the Germany ticket does not look like it: “Too many mistakes were made: first the eternal waiting for the ticket. Then you ask yourself why it should only be available as a subscription. In addition, the restrictions on transferability and take-along options.”
