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Germany-Ticket and an additional billion for public transportation

The successor to the 9-euro ticket will be called the Deutschlandticket and is set to launch at the beginning of 2023. It will be available as a monthly cancellable subscription. The federal and state governments will share the costs. Additionally, there will be one billion euros more annually for public transport. This will cover the acute needs but is just a start, the states believe. For a traffic transition, significantly more is needed.

The Germany Ticket is intended to make public transportation affordable for the broad population starting in 2023. (Photo: Bünnagel)
The Germany Ticket is intended to make public transportation affordable for the broad population starting in 2023. (Photo: Bünnagel)
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Johannes Reichel
von Claus Bünnagel

Starting from the beginning of 2023, the nationwide 49-euro monthly ticket for buses and trains in local public transport, called the "Deutschlandticket," is set to be implemented. State Prime Ministers and Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz agreed on joint financing. Both sides will each contribute 1.5 billion euros. The federal government will also permanently transfer more money for public transport, specifically an additional one billion euros. Currently, the federal government pays 9.4 billion euros in regionalization funds. With these funds, the federal states finance their local rail passenger transport (SPNV) and support investments as well as the operation of buses and trams in the remaining public transport.

Niedersachsen's Prime Minister Stephan Weil (SPD) and chairman of the Conference of Prime Ministers (MPK) welcomed the permanent agreement on the nationwide ticket and additional financial resources in an interview with ZDF but emphasized that this could only be the beginning of a real transport transition. This was also emphasized by NRW Prime Minister Hendrik Wüst, who spoke of an "absolute minimum" and maintaining the status quo. Public transport companies are under significant pressure due to rising prices, and it is an "acute stress situation," Weil continued. In reality, even more offerings are needed, especially in rural areas. "We will have to improve everywhere, I believe everyone involved is aware of that," Weil appealed. Substantially higher funds will be needed in the long term for a powerful transport transition. More discussions and negotiations are necessary here.

How long will the 49-euro ticket be valid?

The launch of the new ticket is currently planned for January 1, 2023, but this date could still be delayed. Preparations are already underway. Key points: The 49-euro ticket will be available digitally and as a plastic card. It will be valid for one month and can only be purchased as a monthly cancellable subscription. 

Where is the 49-euro ticket valid?

Like its predecessor, the 49-euro ticket will be valid on all buses and trains in public local transport. At a price of 49 euros, the new Deutschlandticket would be significantly cheaper than many existing subscriptions in major German metropolitan areas. 

Will the price remain permanently at 49 euros?

A two-year introductory phase is planned for the 49-euro ticket. Starting from the second year, the ticket could become more expensive. A price dynamic is planned: the subscription fee would automatically increase with the inflation rate. 

Niedersachsen's Prime Minister Stephan Weil announced at the press conference following the agreement that his federal state also intends to offer a cheaper variant for certain groups. Similar models could also exist in other federal states. 

29-euro ticket in Berlin extended

In Berlin, there is currently the regional transitional variant of the 29-euro ticket. This has been available by subscription since October, but it is only valid for the tariff zone AB (city area of Berlin). The Berlin Senate now plans to extend the 29-euro ticket: it should be available until the end of March 2023, previously it was only planned until the end of December 2022.

Translated automatically from German.
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