Majority of German Regions Favor Increased Costs, According to Survey
As reported by "Die Welt am Sonntag", various federal states are inclined towards an increase in the price of the Germany ticket. The publication conducted its own survey among the responsible state ministries and found that eight of them either support this price hike or consider it inevitable considering the current financial situation. Bavaria, being the ninth state, had previously advocated for an increase in the monthly subscription price from 49 to 64 euros.
The proposed price increase, however, is not viewed as too excessive in political circles. Sources suggest that a range of 54 to 59 euros could be the likely figure, starting from an as yet undetermined date in the subsequent year. The Transport Ministers' Conference will convene on Monday to deliberate on the potential future price of the Germany ticket. Participants will include transport ministers from both the federal and state governments, attending the digital meeting.
Besides Bavaria, Rhineland-Palatinate, Lower Saxony, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Schleswig-Holstein, Baden-Württemberg, Berlin, Saxony-Anhalt, and North Rhine-Westphalia are generally receptive to the price hike. Some other states, such as Hamburg, Thuringia, Hesse, and Saarland, have remained silent on the matter, refraining from commenting until the upcoming Transport Ministers' Conference. No state has openly rejected the idea of an increase in subscription costs.
North Rhine-Westphalia's transport minister, Oliver Krischer, told "Rheinische Post" that a moderate price increase cannot be avoided. He suggested that an increase in costs would only be avoidable if the federal government provided additional funding.
The transport ministers of the states agreed at a special conference in early July that the price of the Germany ticket should be adjusted in 2025. The specific amount will be announced during the meeting on Monday. Both the federal government and the states currently contribute equally to the funding of the Germany ticket, each allocating 1.5 billion euros annually.
The proposed price increase for the Germany ticket is not deemed excessive by political circles, with a range of 54 to 59 euros being suggested. Many states, including Bavaria and North Rhine-Westphalia, are generally receptive to this price hike, acknowledging its inevitability due to financial constraints.
