Germany Ticket: Dispute over Financing (Not) Coming to an End

What will happen next year with the Germany ticket – one thing is clear at least after yesterday's meeting of state leaders with Chancellor Olaf Scholz, it will continue in 2024. However, questions remain about the price and financing. In the short term, it has now been agreed that funds not used this year can be used in 2024 to offset financial disadvantages from the ticket. This means that the industry will have up to an additional 700 million euros available next year on top of the already agreed 3 billion euros from the federal and state governments to compensate for their revenue losses.

However, an obligation to provide additional funding as in this year was not agreed upon, and the funding gap has thus only been partially closed, according to the Association of German Transport Companies (VDV). Furthermore, the transport ministers' conference is to develop a concept for implementing the ticket from 2024 by May. For this, the federal and state governments are to agree on further financing and a mechanism for adjusting the ticket price, "which can also include an increase".

"The VDV offers its cooperation as an industry association. We assume that this concept to be developed will not only be characterized by high objectivity and expertise, but that all parties involved will adhere to the agreements in this concept. In addition, there is currently no tariff approval, which is absolutely necessary for the sale of the ticket from January. The VDV will also promptly make a proposal on this. In a future-proof concept for the Germany ticket, solutions for students and the job ticket must not be missing. For far too long, no arrangements could be made with the federal government on this," said VDV Chief Executive Oliver Wolff.