Fewer passengers - The Westfalentariff increases prices from August.
Customers under the Westfalia Tariff will have to dig deeper into their pockets for buses and trains starting August 1st. The districts and cities in Münsterland, Ostwestfalen-Lippe, southern Westphalia, and the Ruhr/Lippe region have agreed on a price increase of an average of 6.25 percent, according to the transport association. The Germany Ticket, however, remains unchanged at 49 Euro until at least the end of 2024, as stated in the announcement.
"Maintaining an attractive public transportation offering, let alone expanding it, is particularly challenging for transport authorities and transportation companies in the current situation," say the transport association's managing directors, Matthias Hehl and Oliver Mietzsch.
The number of passengers has not yet returned to the pre-Corona level, according to the Westfalia Tariff. In addition, the number of schoolchildren and trainees is declining. However, fuel, electricity, and labor costs continue to rise.
Other transportation associations in North Rhine-Westphalia usually adjust their prices at the beginning of the year.
Westfalia Tariff Announcement
- Due to the price increase, consumers in East Westphalia-Lippe and other affected regions might need to reconsider their transportation plans starting August 1st.
- Despite the Coronavirus pandemic keeping the number of passengers low, the districts and cities in Ruhr, Lippe, southern Westphalia, and Münsterland still face rising costs for fuel, electricity, and labor.
- The announcement mentions that the Price hike will impact buses and trains under the Westfalia Tariff, affecting commuters and tourists in cities like Bielefeld and Münsterland.
- Travelers elsewhere in North Rhine-Westphalia might be looking forward to less price increases, as transportation associations typically adjust their prices at the start of the year.
- Fortunately, the Germany-ticket remains unaffected by the price increase in the Westfalia Tariff, continuing to offer affordable travel options within Germany until the end of 2024.
