Relieving the roads and covering as many environmentally friendly journeys as possible by bus and train: the Deutschlandticket is advertised as a cost-effective alternative to the car. The General German Bicycle Club (ADFC), on the other hand, finds the concept incomplete and not thought through to the end. Because if you need a bicycle in addition to public transport and also want to transport it on the train, you usually have to buy a ticket for the bike in Bavaria in addition to the 49-euro ticket. Commuters and day-trippers not only have to understand the different fare regulations in Bavaria, but often also have to dig deep into their pockets.
Prime Minister Markus Söder gave hope for an early new regulation for cheaper bike transport in trains in April and announced a 1-euro ticket for simplified bike transport in the Free State. A corresponding resolution within the framework of the Bicycle Act was passed in the state parliament on July 19. Accordingly, it should be possible to take a bicycle with you for one euro per bicycle and per trip in addition to the valid ticket. According to the State Ministry for Housing, Construction and Transport, the tariff implementation work has already begun. However, due to the large number of players involved, such as the transport associations, it is not yet possible to state when it will be introduced.
“Bike and train are only a real alternative to the car together,” the bicycle club criticizes the current regulations in the Free State. A ticket for a bike used to cost between 80 cents and six euros per trip, depending on the transport association and ticket category. Free transport is only possible in a few transport associations. The ADFC describes the current regulations as “tariff and booking chaos” and refers to the provisions in neighboring federal states. “The non-city states of Hesse and Baden-Württemberg show that things can be done differently, where bikes can be taken outside of the morning rush-hour traffic blocking period and are even free of charge.” There is also a corresponding regulation in North Rhine-Westphalia. Since July, a monthly bicycle ticket can be purchased there in addition to the Germany ticket for 39 euros.
However, the ADFC fears that a reduction in bicycle transport will also exacerbate an already known problem on trains. “The price alone does not solve the problem that there is not enough space in the local trains.” The Ministry of Transport wants to keep an eye on developments. In any case, a right to transport the bike on the train is only possible within the framework of the capacities offered. However, on sunny weekend days in summer in particular, people are aware of the lack of space on many trains. However, the rail transport companies are already taking the increased space requirements into account insofar as more space is being created for bicycles by installing folding seats. The ADFC is now hoping for a timely new regulation of bicycle transport in the Free State and is also in favor of a nationwide solution. “Combining bike and train must be as easy as driving a car. Only then is the climate-friendly alternative really attractive.”