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Wegner challenges the validity of Germany's ticketing system.

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Affordable, Yet Pricey: Germany's Ticket Encompasses Regional and Local Transit Access

"Reassessing the cost-effectiveness" of Germany's flagship transportation ticket: Wegner signals doubts

Wegner challenges the validity of Germany's ticketing system.

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The 49-euro ticket has already ballooned to 58 euros, and its long-term funding remains a mystery. Berlin's top politician, Kai Wegner of CDU, is troubled by its high expenses and calls for a fairer funding split with the federal government.

Berlin's powerhouse, Kai Wegner, is scrutinizing the future of Germany's most popular transport ticket. In a candid conversation with Handelsblatt, he revealed concerns over the ticket's skyrocketing costs, stating, "It's a well-intentioned move, but it's heavier on the federal government and the states' coffers." He went on to say, "We can't shoulder such federal generosity any longer, as it mostly falls on states' shoulders."

The Germany ticket, providing nationwide public transport for just 58 euros a month, has sparked a dialogue between federal and state authorities. The coalition agreement signed by CDU, CSU, and SPD binds both parties to continue the Germany ticket past 2025, but they haven't shied away from hinting at higher prices starting in 2029.

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Funding the ticket necessitates 3 billion euros in annual contributions from the federal government and states combined, with current investments only legally secured for the year. With an estimated 14 million users, the cost per user seems a contentious issue, leading Wegner to call for greater financial accountability.

CDU's Federal Minister of Transport, Patrick Schnieder, has described the talks with states as challenging, and he insists on a unified stance from the states regarding their financial obligations. However, widespread confusion exists regarding the states' willingness to shoulder these costs.

"No budget-straining measures will be endorsed"

Wegner believes that the states face substantial burdens, regardless of the future of the Germany ticket. His state's endorsement of the federal government's economic relief package hinges on specific conditions. "Our coalition in Berlin has decided internally not to support any measures burdening the budget," he affirmed. He emphasized the need for economic resurgence amid the current economic malaise, but users must bear a reasonable share of the ticket's costs.

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Wegner also raised concerns about potential revenue losses due to the planned VAT reduction in the catering sector, beginning in 2026. The reduction from 19 to 7 percent will reportedly cost Berlin alone 100 million euros annually. "Given the state of the economy, we necessitate a sympathetic dialogue with the Federal Chancellor," he asserted, "we require a fair balancing of interests—the principle should be: 'He who orders, pays.'"

The relief package is rumored to offer enhanced tax depreciation options for companies investing in machinery, equipment, and electric vehicles, along with a lower corporate tax rate starting from 2028. A summit between the federal government, the Chancellor, and CDU leader Friedrich Merz was initially slated for June 18, but the date has been postponed. A new date is yet to be determined.

Source: ntv.de, mli/dpa/AFP

  • Germany ticket
  • Kai Wegner
  • Kai Wegner, the top politician in Berlin, is scrutinizing the future of Germany's most popular transportation ticket, the Germany ticket, due to concerns over its skyrocketing costs and the distribution of funding between federal and state governments.
  • Given the cost-effectiveness debates surrounding the Germany ticket and other budget considerations, CDU's Federal Minister of Transport, Patrick Schnieder, has described talks with states as challenging, underlining the importance of a unified stance from the states regarding their financial obligations.

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