Wissing on “Deutschlandticket”: People in the country benefited “strongly”

Transport Minister Wissing sees the planned 49-euro monthly ticket as an inexpensive alternative, especially in rural areas. But politicians and transport companies still disagree on some points.

After the federal and state governments agreed on the “Deutschlandticket”, Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing (FDP) rejected criticism that it was of little use to people in rural areas. “Especially in rural areas, citizens will benefit greatly from the ticket,” said Wissing of the “Rheinische Post” and the Bonn “General-anzeiger”.

His reasoning: local transport is “usually much more expensive” in rural areas than in urban areas. Now the 49-euro ticket will offer a cheaper alternative.

Association expects more passengers

The Association of German Transport Companies (VDV) sees great potential in the upcoming ticket and expects – among other things because of the currently rising consumer prices – more passengers and a change, especially among commuters. But for this to happen, the transport network would have to be expanded more consistently. “This ticket is of no use to anyone in rural areas or in urban areas if there is no reasonable transport offer,” said Oliver Wolff, general manager of the association, of the dpa news agency.

There are still uncertainties about the start date. The ticket is planned so far from January 1st next year. However, the industry association does not consider the date feasible. According to Wolff, an introduction on March 1st is realistic. However, the Federal Minister of Transport “always stated as a prerequisite for the start date that it is technically possible on this date.” The federal states must now clarify the implementation “quickly” with the federal government, “so that we can give a binding start date in a few weeks,” said Wissing.

Planned as a digital offer

The “Deutschlandticket” is to be available digitally for 49 euros in a monthly subscription and valid throughout Germany on local public transport. The ticket is intended to be the long-term successor to the 9-euro ticket that was available for purchase between June and August.

Whether it will also be available in paper format from vending machines remains to be seen. The decision is made by the federal states and transport associations.