Germany’s €49 Public Transport Ticket May Not Remain as Cheap for Long
Germany’s widely popular €49 public transport ticket is likely to become more expensive in the near future. Since its launch in April, over three million Germans have purchased the ‘Deutschlandticket,’ which provides unlimited travel on all local and regional public transport. Authorities hailed it as the “largest public transport reform in German history.”
However, transport officials have issued a warning, stating that the current low price is unsustainable. Ingo Wortmann, the head of Munich’s MVG transport authority, explained that local and regional companies are struggling with high inflation while ticket revenues remain low. He stated to Abendzeitung, a German daily newspaper, “Until now, the government has covered the difference in income for the transport companies.”
Nevertheless, a price increase is anticipated from January 2024, and it will not be limited to just the new pass. Wortmann stated, “I believe all ticket prices will have to be increased.”
What is the Deutschlandticket? The Deutschlandticket, also known as the ‘D-ticket,’ is a low-cost pass currently priced at €49 per month, approximately €1.60 per day. It grants unlimited travel on city buses, subways, trams, and short to medium-distance trains within municipalities across Germany. However, it is not valid for long-distance trains operated by DB Fernverkehr AG (including RE) or other providers like FlixTrain (IC, EC, ICE).
This monthly pass replaced the €9-per-month ticket that was tested last summer. Introduced to counteract the effects of rising inflation due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the ultra-affordable pass gained immense popularity. More than 52 million tickets were sold for travel in June, July, and August.
The German transport companies association, VDV, claims that it resulted in saving around 1.8 million tonnes of carbon emissions during those three months.
Although the €9 price was unsustainable in the long run, the €49 ticket also became incredibly popular, causing Deutsche Bahn’s website to crash upon its initial launch. Of the three million people who have already purchased it, at least 750,000 had never previously subscribed to public transport.
However, any potential price increase may face strong political opposition. Nikolaus Gradl, the traffic expert for the City of Munich Council, described the idea of a hike as “absurd.” He told Abendzeitung, “For us, a price increase is not an option.”
To alleviate the impact of inflation and material costs on public transport companies, the federal and state governments may continue to provide funding to cover the shortfall.
What other changes to the Deutschlandticket are authorities considering? Apart from a price increase, authorities are contemplating other modifications to the Deutschlandticket.
The federal traffic light coalition is currently developing a “family-friendly rule” that would allow ticket-holders to bring one additional adult and up to three children aged between six and 14 with them during specific times. If agreed upon by transport companies, this rule would apply on weekends, holidays, and after 8 pm on weekdays.