Germany ticket - Government expresses understanding for D-Ticket price increase
The German federal government understands the announced price increase for the Germany ticket for public transport (OPNV) in the states, as reported by the "Rheinische Post". "Given the general price increases and the collective bargaining with the states, it was indeed foreseeable and appropriate that an adjustment would come", stated Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMDV), Michael Theurer (FDP). The pricing authority for the OPNV lies with the states. "It is welcome that the states are now taking public responsibility for their tasks."
The transport ministers and ministers of the German states announced at a special conference an increase in the previously monthly 49 Euro ticket price from January onwards. This is necessary, even if all planned funds from the federal government and the states flow as agreed, according to the conference resolution.
Longstanding financing dispute
The Germany ticket has been available since May 2023. It allows holders to make unlimited journeys on buses and trains of regional and local transport throughout Germany. The subscription is monthly and is considered an important instrument for the standardization and simplification of the confusing tariff situation in German public transport. However, there has always been a dispute over financing between the federal government and the states. After all, the transport companies face revenue losses due to the more attractive offering, which must be balanced.
As yet, it is unclear by how much the Germany ticket will increase in price next year. The states will clarify this at a further transport ministers' conference in the fall, according to North Rhine-Westphalia Transport Minister Oliver Krischer (Greens). The announcement by the states drew criticism from the government factions, however. "The constant debates about the price of Mr. Krischer's ticket should not distract from overdue and expensive structures in public transport that need to be reformed," commented FDP fraction vice-chair Carina Konrad.
- Despite the price increase announcement for the Germany ticket in Berlin's "Rheinische Post", Michael Theurer, the Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure, deemed it understandable and appropriate.
- In response to the rising prices, the federal government and the states have agreed to allocate their planned funds, as indicated in the conference resolution.
- The Germany ticket, introduced in May 2023, allows unlimited travel on buses and trains across Germany for monthly subscribers, aimed at simplifying and standardizing the complex tariff structure in public transportation.
- The continuing financing disagreement between the federal government and the states has led to revenue losses for transportation companies, necessitating an adjustment to the ticket price in light of the more appealing offering.
- Grover's state transport minister, Oliver Krischer, expressed uncertainty about the approximate price increase for the Germany ticket in the following year, to be determined at an upcoming transport ministers' conference in the fall.
- The rising ticket price has sparked criticism among government factions, with FDP fraction vice-chair Carina Konrad encouraging a shift in focus from price debates towards addressing costly and outdated structures in public transportation.
