Germany ticket in the crisis: price increase and uncertain future!

Germany ticket in the crisis: price increase and uncertain future!

Ludwigslust-Parchim, Deutschland - All around the Germany ticket there is currently a lot of conversation. Our Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU) made it clear that the financing of the popular ticket is on the brink. At a special conference of the Minister of Transport, light should now be brought into the dark to develop a medium -term perspective for the ticket. The pressure is great, because the federal government and countries that have been negotiated so far expire at the end of the year, which only strengthens the uncertainty for the approximately 13.5 million monthly buyers who remained loyal to 58 euros in the last year. ZDF today reports that the concerns of the passenger association Pro Bahn must also be heard, because there is still no clear assurance about the continuation of the ticket.

A negative forecast gets the industry. Lars Wagner's demand from the Association of German Transport Companies (VDV) shows what makes the situation explosive: According to his estimates, more than three billion euros will be needed in the coming year to cover the increasing costs. In addition, the federal government has to pay for additional financing needs, according to Transport Senator Ute Bonde (CDU). This situation, which is significantly discussed here, does not only affect the transport companies, but also the users, because it is expected with significant price increases - possibly at 70 to 80 euros in 2025.

financing problem at a glance

A painful point is the forecast financing hole of at least 3.45 billion euros for transport companies in 2024, which presents the federal government and countries with great challenges. Oliver Krischer, NRW Minister of Transport, sums it up when he emphasizes that you are already at the limit of the current budget situation. In addition, an adjustment of the ticket price, for example to the inflation rate, could threaten. Former NRW Transport Minister Oliver Wittke proposes a moderate price increase of three percent, which would bring the country around 168 million euros.

In the discussion about the financing, there are some positive approaches. Remaining funds from 2023 could be used to cover additional costs. However, a uniform plan must be developed in good time before May 1, 2024, as the Federal Government and the federal states decided at a meeting in Berlin. Tagesschau emphasizes that the losses of the industry could be around 2.3 billion euros for 2023, while in 2024 even 4.1 billion euros are expected.

The outlook on the future

Despite all the challenges, the Germany ticket remains a model of success that has the potential to further expand. Passenger representatives and the VDV emphasize that the possibilities for job tickets and trainees are not yet fully exhausted. But this requires reliable funds from the federal government and the countries to guarantee sustainable financing beyond the current crisis. Critics, such as Ramona Pop from the consumer advice center, warn of unexpected price increases that could endanger the success of the ticket.

So it remains exciting. The next time will show whether those responsible have a good hand and are able to find a solution for the continuation of the Germany ticket. One thing is certain: the discussion about the future of the ticket has just started.