Traffic - Public transport journeys will become more expensive in many regions on January 1
In many regions, local public transport will once again become more expensive in the new year. Several transport associations, especially large ones, are increasing fares as of January 1, according to an analysis of around a dozen associations by the German Press Agency. These include the Verkehrsverbund Berlin-Brandenburg (VBB), the Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr (VRR) and the Münchner Verkehrsverbund (MVV). Other transport associations have already increased their prices this year, while others plan to decide in the spring.
The most significant price increases among the associations surveyed are in the Augsburg Transport and Tariff Association (AVV). According to the AVV, bus and train tickets will cost an average of 12.7 percent more from January 1. A one-way ticket there will then cost 1.90 euros, which compares favorably with other areas. However, it is difficult to compare the individual fares because the networks vary in size and density.
Fares are also rising significantly in North Rhine-Westphalia: in the Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Sieg (VRS) by an average of 10.4 percent, in the Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr (VRR) by 9.4 percent. In the VRR, the cheapest one-way ticket will cost 3.30 euros in future, the most expensive 17.90 euros.
Higher costs for personnel and energy
The fare increases are always justified by the increased costs for the companies, especially for energy and personnel. Those responsible at Verkehrsverbund Mittelthüringen (VMT), for example, describe the situation as dramatic. No price adjustments are due there in January, as the cut-off date for this is traditionally August 1 at VMT. "But we will have to deal with it," said Managing Director Christoph Heuing when asked.
In Berlin and Brandenburg, prices will also rise on January 1, by an average of 6.7 percent. The most recent price increase was only eight months ago. The VBB had postponed it from January to April this year. Now the association is returning to its usual rhythm. The VBB also refers to increased costs for personnel, fuel and energy. Greater Hanover Transport (GVH) is also increasing ticket prices, on average by seven percent as of January 1.
Moderate price increase in Munich
By contrast, the price adjustments in the Munich Transport and Tariff Association (MVV) are significantly lower. The shareholders there decided on an average price adjustment of 4.3 percent as of January. "This is one of the lowest price increases in public transport in Germany this year," the association announced. "Up to 10.8 percent fare increases would be necessary to compensate the transport companies in the MVV for the increased costs," it said.
Public transport in Germany is financed on the one hand by so-called regionalization funds. The other half comes from passenger revenue for the transport companies. It is the only screw that the companies themselves can turn to compensate for rising costs.
The fare increases always relate only to the fare offers of the respective associations. The price of the Deutschlandticket remains unaffected for the time being. The subscription, which allows holders to travel nationwide on local and regional transport, will continue to cost 49 euros per month. The season ticket can be canceled monthly.
However, a price increase is not unlikely in the coming year. The federal and state governments are compensating for losses incurred by transport companies as a result of the Deutschlandticket. This year, they are also covering any additional costs in equal shares. However, next year it should also be possible to offset these costs by increasing the price of the Deutschlandticket.
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Source: www.stern.de
