The Germany ticket should not become more expensive for the time being. The introductory price of 49 euros per month will remain stable for the entire year 2024, it was said after a special conference of the state transport ministers.
Millions of commuters and travelers can count on a stable price for the Deutschlandticket for nationwide journeys on local and regional public transport this year.
“The Conference of Transport Ministers has created clarity for 2024: Even if there is public discussion about price increases from May, the introductory price of 49 euros will remain stable for the entire year,” said the chairman of the Conference of Transport Ministers, North Rhine-Westphalia’s department head Oliver Krischer (Greens), who dpa news agency after consultations with the state ministers.
Lower Saxony’s Transport Minister Olaf Lies emphasized: “We as states agree that we do not need a price increase for the Deutschlandticket this year.” Based on the available data, no price increase will be necessary in 2024 because the financing is adequate, according to the SPD politician. “So the price can remain stable this year too.”
This is a signal of reliability for users. “This also brings the necessary clarity for transport companies and municipalities.”
Flexible financing beyond the end of the year is the plan
According to Lies, the states have agreed to work with the federal government on solutions that ensure flexible financing beyond the annual limit.
The Deutschlandticket was introduced on May 1, 2023 for nationwide travel on local and regional transport as a digitally bookable, monthly-cancellable subscription. According to the Association of German Transport Companies (VDV), it is used by around ten million people. It usually costs 49 euros per month.
The federal government continues to contribute to the costs
In November, Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) and the Prime Ministers agreed on further steps to finance the Deutschlandticket. Ultimately, transport companies lose important income due to the cheaper subscription.
As previously agreed, the federal government will also contribute half of the costs in 2024 and give 1.5 billion euros. In addition, unused funds should be used for 2024. The Federal Ministry of Transport announced before the special conference of state ministers that the transferability of remaining funds from the Germany Ticket from 2023 will be maintained.