Increase in transport costs for buses and trains, effective from January onwards
The Verkehrsverbund Berlin-Brandenburg (VBB) has announced a series of changes to its public transport fares, effective from January 2026. The changes come in response to sharply rising costs, particularly in the areas of energy and personnel.
At its meeting on Thursday, 18 September 2025, the VBB supervisory board made the decision to discontinue several tariffs, including the VBB 65Plus subscription, the BC tariff stadium, and the BC tariff stage. The reasons for these changes are related to the upcoming fare increase by the VBB supervisory board, as part of a broader fare adjustment in Berlin-Brandenburg's public transport system. Specific operational or financial details for these individual tariff eliminations have not been explicitly stated in the available information.
The VBB 65Plus subscription, intended for seniors, will no longer be available. This subscription currently costs 62 euros per month, making it more expensive than the nationwide valid Germany ticket but offering no additional benefits such as the ability to bring another person or transferability.
In addition to the discontinued tariffs, the single-ride ticket for the Berlin city area will cost 4.00 euros, an increase of 20 cents from the current price. In Potsdam, the single-ride ticket will also cost 3.00 euros, also an increase of 20 cents from the current price.
The 7-day card and annual cards for all target groups will also be discontinued. The 10 a.m. card in Berlin and the 9 a.m. cards in the cities of Potsdam, Brandenburg an der Havel, and Frankfurt (Oder) will also be discontinued.
Public transport is usually financed equally from ticket sales and so-called regionalization funds from the federal government. However, electricity has become around 38% more expensive, as have fuel and lubricants for vehicles. These rising costs have put pressure on the VBB to implement these changes.
It is important to note that the inflation rate for passenger transport by road was almost 35% between the end of 2015 and August 2025. The VBB has emphasised that these changes are necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of the public transport system in Berlin-Brandenburg.
The VBB has not yet announced any compensation measures for those affected by these changes. It is advised that passengers keep an eye on the VBB's official website for further updates and information.
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