The local transport industry is open to a possible price increase for the Deutschlandticket. “If the federal and state governments decide on such a price increase to cap the public co-financing of tickets, then from the industry’s point of view it is understandable,” said a spokesman for the Association of German Transport Companies (VDV) to the German Press Agency.
This would also make it possible to meet the generally growing financial needs through increases in personnel, energy and operating costs in local public transport, the association’s spokesman added. The industry’s primary goal remains to convince as many people as possible of the ticket. “It is therefore important that the public discussions about the continuation of the ticket end and that passengers have a permanent and reliable offer,” said the spokesman.
Consultations on Monday
Tomorrow the transport ministers will discuss the further financing of the Deutschlandticket in a special online conference. As previously reported from participants, it is unclear whether there will be a price increase for the Deutschlandticket – and if so, when. The consensus so far is that there should be no price change at least until the end of April 2024. It is also unclear whether the transport ministers will make a decision on this or whether further consultations should follow.
The Germany ticket usually costs 49 euros per month. It was launched in May 2023 as a digitally bookable, monthly-cancellable subscription. It applies throughout Germany in local and regional public transport. The 49 euros per month is considered the “introductory price”. Following their previous agreements on the Deutschlandticket, the federal and state governments want to agree on further financing this year, including a mechanism for updating the ticket price, which could also include an increase.
Clarity and planning security
The chairman of the Conference of Transport Ministers, North Rhine-Westphalia’s department head Oliver Krischer (Greens), called the Deutschlandticket a successful model. “Our goal must therefore be to secure the ticket permanently and sustainably financially – in the interests of commuters and the transport companies,” he said before the meeting. Because they need clarity and planning security.
Several SPD state transport ministers have already taken a position against a price increase this year. “Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania will advocate for a constant price in 2024, when adequate compensation funds are still available from the federal and state governments,” said Transport Minister Reinhard Meyer (SPD).
Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) and the prime ministers agreed in November on further steps to finance the Germany Ticket. As previously agreed, the federal government will also contribute half of the costs in 2024 and give 1.5 billion euros. In addition, funds not used in 2023 are to be used for 2024. There should be no “obligation to make additional contributions” by the federal and state governments in 2024, as the resolution said at the time.
