Ludwigslust-Parchim district is fighting: Germany ticket in danger!

Ludwigslust-Parchim district is fighting: Germany ticket in danger!

Things are currently getting turbulent in the area of ​​public transport in the Ludwigslust-Parchim district. Above all, the Germany ticket is in jeopardy. This was discussed in the district council on October 15, 2025. District council members of all stripes are pushing for District Administrator Stefan Sternberg (SPD) to demand better regulations. The situation surrounding the Germany ticket, which is available for 58 euros per month, is worrying, as its use and financing are apparently not in harmony [NDR].

District Administrator Sternberg had already indicated in September that an exit from the Deutschlandticket would be discussed if the financial conditions did not improve. The current figures speak for themselves: a financial hole of around five million euros has been identified in the district, with the VLP transport company missing two million euros last year and three million euros so far this year. The pressure on the state government is enormous, especially since these outstanding funds are also referred to as a federal problem.

The arguments on the table

The situation is also viewed as particularly critical for the on-call bus services, which are stipulated in the coalition agreement between the SPD and the Left. The district council has now decided that the district administrator should put pressure on the state and federal governments to secure these services. Many citizens struggle at the checkout and the mobility of people in the district suffers as a result.

In addition, the current rules for distributing income cause confusion. From September 1st, the money will be distributed according to the postal codes of Deutschlandticket users, but this regulation only applies until the end of the year and provides little planning security. If the transport companies are not adequately compensated, the ticket could be reconsidered in the existing tariff system, which could present many commuters with unpleasant surprises.

The numbers speak for themselves

A total of around 12,000 people in the district have so far subscribed to the Deutschlandticket, but only 1,800 of them bought it from the local transport company. This raises the question of how stronger regional ties can be achieved here. According to Nordkurier, a reallocation of ticket revenue is planned for October, which should also take tourism aspects into account. This could potentially be the key to relieving local transport in the district and alleviating financial bottlenecks.

With almost 2.4 million Germany tickets sold last year and a turnover of almost 113 million euros in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, it is clear that the need is there. Nevertheless, reality shows that pre-financing and political support urgently need to be reconsidered to avoid future exits.

The Deutschlandticket is an attractive option for many as it is valid for all public transport in Germany and is available both digitally and as a chip card. But without a stable financial foundation, it will be difficult to keep the promises made to citizens and promote mobility in structurally weak regions. Political decision-makers are now challenged - it will be exciting to see how the situation will develop while the Germans continue to be powerful behind the wheel.

We will keep you up to date on what happens next with the Deutschlandticket in Ludwigslust-Parchim. One thing is certain: a lot of movement is still possible here. After all, mobility is a fundamental right that should also be promoted in rural areas!