Germany Ticket Concerns Uncertainty for Lower Saxony's Future
The price of the Germany Ticket, a nationwide ticket offering unlimited travel across the country, is set to undergo a significant change from 2027. The ticket's cost will be determined based on a cost index, which will be worked out by the autumn of 2025.
This cost index will take into account factors such as wage and energy costs. The decision was reached at a conference of transport ministers in Munich, and it aims to ensure the ticket's price remains stable in the face of rising costs.
However, the attractiveness of the Germany Ticket is at risk due to the anticipated price increase, according to Grant Hendrik Tonne, Transport Minister of Lower Saxony. He suggests that the federal government and other states absorb additional costs to keep the price stable.
The ticket's price has already been increased from 49 to 58 euros at the beginning of the year. Around 14 million people use the Germany Ticket, a figure that has grown since its introduction in May 2023.
Tonne also proposes a dynamic adjustment for the years from 2027 to 2030 to discuss with other parties. He is prepared to invest more money in the ticket, and the federal government and the states will contribute a combined 3 billion euros per year for the Germany Ticket until 2030.
The federal government will provide 1.5 billion euros in subsidies annually to stabilise the price of the ticket, with the states collectively contributing no more than 1.5 billion euros. Bavaria's Transport Minister, Christian Bernreiter (CSU), stated that the "political price-setting" for the Germany Ticket would soon end.
Tonne believes that further price increases are expected in the coming years. He expresses particular concern for people with tight budgets, stating that the model of passing on increases to customers is not sustainable. The price increase for the Germany Ticket is set to rise from 58 to 63 euros per month for millions of users.
In conclusion, the Germany Ticket's price will be determined by a cost index from 2027, taking into account factors such as wage and energy costs. The federal government and states will collectively contribute 3 billion euros per year to keep the ticket affordable for its 14 million users. However, concerns remain about the impact of the price increase on those with tight budgets.
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