Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing (FDP) rules out an extension of the nine-euro ticket. “It’s not possible in the long term, because the ticket costs over a billion euros a month,” said Wissing on RTL/ntv’s “Frühstart” program. He had already made it clear that the measure was intended as a reaction to the high energy prices for a limited period in the law. “Accordingly, there are currently no considerations to extend it.”
In principle, the Minister of Transport is satisfied that the ticket has been so well received so far. “Many states didn’t even want the ticket and now they don’t want to get rid of it,” he said. Now you have to evaluate the temporary measure and then discuss with the countries how you can improve the offer of buses and trains in the regular fare system.
The consumer advice centers are also demanding a connection offer to relieve rising prices. The head of the Federal Association vzbv, Jutta Gurkmann, told the German Press Agency that an easy-to-book ticket for all buses and trains in local transport should be available for a monthly price of 29 euros, i.e. for around one euro per day. “That would relieve everyone in the price crisis, but especially households with little money, and also give the necessary traffic turnaround more impetus.” Some of the SPD and Greens had already spoken out in favor of an extension or a follow-up offer for the nine-euro ticket.
Regarding Gurkmann’s suggestion, Wissing said he had taken note of it. However, further questions only arose after the planned evaluation. Wissing also calls for structural reforms in public transport before there should be more money.
The nine-euro tickets are valid in June, July and August and allow unlimited travel on local and regional buses and trains throughout Germany for one month – much cheaper than normal monthly tickets, which are also only valid in the network area. The tickets are part of the coalition’s relief packages.