Future of the Germany ticket in danger - transport ministers are negotiating!

Future of the Germany ticket in danger - transport ministers are negotiating!

The discussion about the Germany ticket remains exciting. Funding will run out at the end of the year and transport ministers are currently negotiating the future of this popular ticket. Brandenburg Transport Minister Detlef Tabbert (BSW) has already emphasized the need for conditions for a continuation. He demands that the states be prepared to share in the costs, but price increases should be borne by the federal government. “We need planning security for the users,” said Tabbert, who underlined the importance of a long-term perspective, while Berlin’s governing mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) expressed skepticism about continued financing.

The federal and state governments are currently paying 1.5 billion euros each year for the Deutschlandticket, and negotiations over financing from 2025 are proving to be tough. These discussions are crucial because without clear commitments the financial conditions are uncertain. In fact, around 13.5 million people bought the ticket despite the increase to 58 euros per month, and 76% of the population in Brandenburg are in favor of continuing. This shows that the ticket is very popular among the population.

Focus on financing problems

It remains to be seen how the negotiations between the transport ministers will continue. Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU) is calling for more clarity on financing and improving the distribution of the Deutschlandticket. The concerns expressed by the Pro Bahn passenger association about the continued existence of the ticket are also not unfounded. Unclear regulations and disagreements between the countries could jeopardize the continued existence of the ticket.

According to Lars Wagner from VDV, more than three billion euros will be needed next year to cover the rising costs. The green party is also demanding a price guarantee of 49 euros. All of these factors raise questions, as the federal government from both the Union and the SPD supports the continued existence of the Deutschlandticket beyond 2025, although with the prospect of price increases from 2029.

Looking into the future

A special conference of transport ministers has set itself the goal of securing the long-term financing of the Deutschlandticket and tackling the challenges in German local transport. The financial support that the federal and state governments have been providing since 2023 to compensate for loss of income in transport companies could be reopened in the coming negotiations, because the coalition agreement only provides for a general distribution of costs.

The uncertainties about the continuation of the Deutschlandticket and the price development from 2026 now require clear answers. If more incentives are to be created, the ticket's potential has not yet been exhausted, according to the VDV and passenger representatives. Job tickets and discounts for trainees could help ensure that the Deutschlandticket continues to play an important role in public transport in the future.

The clock is ticking and decision makers are faced with the challenge of considering both financial aspects and user needs. One thing is clear: there is still a lot of room for negotiation here, and the coming weeks could be crucial for the future of the Deutschlandticket, which makes it easier for many people to access local public transport.

For further information on the ongoing negotiations and the situation surrounding the Deutschlandticket, we recommend the article on rbb24, for details on the financial situation ZDF and backgrounds Time online.