Status: 07/15/2022 07:07 a.m
The 9-euro ticket is a great success – but how things will continue from September is still unclear. If the transport companies have their way, there should still be a nationwide ticket. However, at a significantly higher price.
The Association of German Transport Companies (VDV) has come out in favor of a permanent 69-euro ticket as the successor to the 9-euro ticket. The ticket is to be valid nationwide for local public transport. Demands for a successor offer also came from the SPD. First, however, sustainable financing must be clarified.
“Based on the premise that the public transport tariffs of the transport associations will continue to be attractive for the majority of passengers, we propose a nationwide public transport system for those who have proven to be a relevant target group in market research – drivers who are willing to pay climate ticket for 69 euros per month as a single 2nd class travel entitlement,” said Oliver Wolff, general manager of the VDV. The “Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung” had previously reported on it.
Costs estimated at two billion euros annually
Unlike the 9-euro ticket, the 69-euro ticket would not automatically apply to subscribers, it said. Rather, passengers would have to weigh up which subscription suits them best. “The industry is able to offer such a climate ticket from September 1st,” said Wolff. “For that, however, we would need the corresponding order from politicians very quickly.”
Wolff put the costs for such an offer at around two billion euros a year. For this year, these costs could still be financed through the rescue package for transport companies negotiated with politicians. “A new regulation is needed for the new year.”
“It must be worth leaving the car behind”
In an interview with the “Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland”, SPD parliamentary group leader Detlef Müller also advocated a succession plan. “Whether a connection ticket then costs 39, 49 or 69 euros is secondary,” he said. “But it has to be in a context that has a psychological effect and is worthwhile for people to leave their cars at home.”
Müller suggested developing a proposal for a continuation of the ticket and its financing by the transport ministers’ conference in the fall. “I think it would be good if the federal and state governments could agree on a permanent model in which the states participate in a similar way to the Corona rescue package.” The question of financing is more important than the question of when a new offer will start. “Because it is clear that an inexpensive ticket offer cannot be financed at the expense of the expansion and operation of public transport.”
With the 9-euro ticket, passengers can still travel throughout Germany on public transport for 9 euros per month until the end of August. The three-month campaign is intended to relieve the burden on citizens. On the other hand, switching to buses and trains should become more attractive.