The Deutschlandticket is considered a success – but the financing is shaky. According to the Ministry of Transport, public transport needs subsidies in the tens of billions if the ticket is to be continued. This should affect ticket prices.
Public transport users could face significantly higher costs in the coming years. This is the conclusion of an investigation commissioned by the Federal Ministry of Transport into the financial requirements up to 2031, which is available to the “Spiegel”. The main reason is therefore the Deutschlandticket.
New law for permanent financing
“In order to cover the total costs of public transport”, the Deutschlandticket in 2031 would require a subsidy of between 20.7 and 31 billion euros, the magazine quoted from the preliminary version of the study. Without the continuation of the ticket, which currently costs 49 euros, between 16.6 and 18.3 billion euros in tax revenue would have to flow. It will be particularly expensive after 2025, when the corona aid that has been used to support local transport will expire. As a result, either ticket prices would have to rise or the state would have to inject significantly more money than before.
The Ministry of Transport explained that after 2025 a new law would be necessary to “permanently secure” the “further financing” of the 49-euro ticket.
States and municipalities are demanding more money
The Germany ticket for 49 euros a month has been available since May 1 – as a digitally bookable, monthly terminable subscription that is valid for local transport throughout Germany. Around eleven million people already have the ticket as a subscription. With the offer, bus and train passengers can sometimes save three-digit sums a month compared to previous season tickets. However, the transport companies make losses that have to be compensated.
So far, the federal and state governments have shared the costs for the Deutschlandticket until 2025 at 1.5 billion euros each year – a tough compromise that only applies until the end of the year. It is therefore unlikely that the ticket will permanently cost 49 euros. The Pro Bahn passenger association expects the ticket to cost more like 59 or 69 euros in the future.