Germany ticket - Theurer expresses understanding for the actions of the federal states on the D-Abo
The German federal government understands the actions of the federal states in setting the prices for the Germany Tickets, stated Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMDV), Michael Theurer (FDP), in an interview with the "Rheinische Post." The pricing authority for public transport tickets lies with the states. "It is welcome that the states are taking public responsibility for their tasks," Theurer added.
However, the key to financing the tickets lies in the number of tickets sold and in ensuring that "efficiency reserves, which were released through the ticket in sales structures and the number of transportation associations, are actually used," Theurer emphasized. The states should first check this before initiating a price debate.
The transport ministers and ministers of the federal states announced at a special conference that they would increase the price of the previously monthly 49 Euro ticket from January. This increase is necessary, even if all planned funds from the federal government and the states flow as agreed, according to the conference resolution.
Long-standing financing dispute
The Germany Ticket has been available since May 2023. It allows holders to make unlimited journeys throughout Germany on buses and trains of regional and local public transport. The ticket 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 been a long-standing dispute between the federal government and the states over financing. After all, the transportation companies face revenue losses due to the more attractive offering, which must be balanced.
It is still unclear by how much the Germany Ticket will increase in price next year. The federal states plan to clarify this at another transport ministers' conference in the fall, according to NRW Transport Minister Oliver Krischer (Greens). The announcement from the states drew criticism from the government factions. "The constant debates about the price of the ticket from Mr. Krischer should not be used to distract from overdue and expensive structures in public transport that need to be reformed," shared FDP fraction vice-chair Carina Konrad.
- Michael Theurer, from the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMDV), mentioned in an interview with the "Rheinische Post" that the federal government acknowledges the state's role in determining the pricing for Germany Tickets.
- Theurer stated that the sale volume of tickets and the effective use of "efficiency reserves" are crucial for funding these tickets.
- Michael Theurer suggested that the states should first review these aspects before engaging in a price discussion, regarding the Germany Ticket.
- The transport ministers and state ministers announced at a special conference that they would boost the price of the previously 49 Euro monthly ticket, effective from January.
- In response to this price increase, Carina Konrad, FDP fraction vice-chair, criticized NRW Transport Minister Oliver Krischer, stating that frequent price debates should not divert attention from the need to reform costly and outdated structures in public transport.
- According to NRW Transport Minister Oliver Krischer, the states will clarify the potential price hike for the Germany Ticket at another transport ministers' conference in the fall.
