Increase in Railway Ticket Prices Criticized by Eder against the Bund
The price of Germany's public transport ticket has been a contentious issue since its introduction in May 2023, with the cost set to increase by 8.6% by 2030. The price development of the ticket will be determined by an index in the future, taking into account the development of energy and track prices.
The financing of the ticket has been a point of debate, with several state ministers, including Winfried Hermann from Baden-Württemberg and Katrin Eder from Rhineland-Palatinate, criticising the federal government for not covering the deficit for its financing. Eder also criticised frequent train cancellations and delays.
Despite the criticism, the public transport ticket is still considered a good offer at 63 euros, compared to the price of time tickets in metropolitan areas. By 2030, around 3 billion euros in public funds per year will be provided to maintain the ticket. The federal and state governments will share the 3 billion euros equally.
Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder, however, remains optimistic, hoping for new subscribers for the public transport ticket, particularly from employers who were previously uncertain. He also hopes for more job tickets. The ticket primarily benefits urban regions and their surrounding areas.
The recent increase in the commuter allowance for rural areas by the federal government has been met with mixed reactions. While some view it as a positive step, others, such as Winfried Hermann, argue that users of the public transport ticket now have to contribute more.
Despite the ongoing controversy, the ticket currently benefits over 14 million people in Germany. Federal Transport Minister Schnieder remains hopeful, expressing his expectation for more job tickets and a wider adoption of the public transport ticket. However, the exact details of how the index for price development will be determined, and who will announce the head of the Bavarian Ministry of Transport responsible for this change, are yet to be revealed.
