- Local transport tickets in large parts of Thuringia more expensive
From August onwards, many Thuringians will have to pay more for bus and train tickets. The Verkehrsverbund Mittelthuringen (VMT) and some other regional providers are increasing their prices from August 1st. The VMT's fare increase is around 10% on average, affecting all fare levels and products except the Germany ticket. The new ticket prices will apply in major cities like Erfurt, Weimar, Jena, and Gera, as well as several districts. The VMT includes a variety of transport providers, from Abellio to DB Regio and Süd-Thüringen Bahn GmbH to the Thüringer Waldbahn.
Bus tickets in the district of Sömmerda, for example, will also become more expensive. However, prices will remain stable in some regions, such as the district of Nordhausen, as confirmed by a spokesperson from the local administration.
On average, a single journey in the city tariff of the four cities in the VMT will now cost 2.70 euros instead of the previous 2.50 euros. The children's single fare will increase by 10 cents to 1.80 euros. VMT Hopper tickets will cost 6.70 euros and 11.00 euros for a single journey, and 7.40 euros and 12.10 euros for a return journey. The CityRegio tariff will remain tiered. The Germany ticket will remain at 49 euros per month, thanks to federal and state funding ensuring price stability.
There will be a transition period for existing VMT tickets until October 31, 2024. After that, they will no longer be valid but can be exchanged for new fares between November 1, 2024, and January 31, 2025.
The VMT cited increased costs and the challenging economic situation of transport providers as reasons for the higher fares, particularly the significant increases in energy prices since 2022 and new wage agreements. In 2022 and 2023, these additional costs were partly offset by the Thuringian Energy Crisis and Corona Aid Fund, totaling 25 million euros from the state. However, no special financial aid will be available in 2024.
The VMT also includes the districts of Gotha, Weimarer Land, Saale-Holzland, and the Zweckverband ÖPNV Saale-Orla for the districts of Saale-Orla-Kreis and Saalfeld-Rudolstadt. Member companies include the transport companies of the cities and districts, as well as KomBus GmbH and the Oberweißbacher Berg- und Schwarzatalbahn.
Despite the price increase, local transport in Gotha and the surrounding districts will continue to be serviceable through the VMT. Utilizing local transport, such as buses, within these areas will still be a viable option for commuters.
