- Additional postponements encountered in train journeys utilizing the 9-euro fare.
Critics in the economics field express reservations towards the 9-Euro-Ticket and the Germany ticket. A study conducted by the Ifo Institute, in conjunction with the universities of Erlangen-Nuremberg and Salzburg, reveals that the 9-Euro-Ticket, effective from June to August 2022, saw a decrease of 4 to 5% in personal car use. Conversely, this surge in train use led to a 30% increase in train delays, predominantly affecting regional traffic, with long-distance trains experiencing indirect impacts as well.
Approximately 430,000 more individuals utilized the train daily with the 9-Euro-Ticket compared to pre-existing times, particularly on weekends. According to Professor Mario Liebensteiner from Nuremberg, "the decrease in car trips during peak commuting times on weekdays was minimal."
Sarah Necker, Liebensteiner's colleague, opines that the 9-Euro-Ticket set the German government back 2.5 billion euros only to marginally decrease car traffic. In her opinion, it was an overpriced and ineffective environmental initiative.
The researchers predict that the Germany ticket's impact will be similar, albeit milder, to that of the 9-Euro-Ticket. This initiative primarily benefits frequent users of local public transport, now benefitting from reduced fees.
The Germany ticket, like the 9-Euro-Ticket, is a subject of debate in the economics field. Critics argue that the Court of Justice should scrutinize such price reduction initiatives to ensure they provide sufficient value for the significant public funding involved.
In addressing the potential impact of the Germany ticket, experts have suggested that the Court of Justice should consider the potential negative consequences on infrastructure and service quality, as observed with the 9-Euro-Ticket.
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