Tickets in Suhl: Bus prices rise dramatically from 2026!

Tickets in Suhl: Bus prices rise dramatically from 2026!

Suhl, Deutschland - The challenges in local public transport in Thuringia are increasing. As Thueringen24 , the transport companies in eastern Germany are under immense pressure, which leads to noticeable price increases for passengers. The municipal local transport company Suhl/Zella-Mehlis (SNG) announces that ticket prices will increase significantly from January 2026. The price for a monthly ticket from 39 euros is raised to 50 euros and the single ticket from 1.90 euros to EUR 2.30. The reasons for the price increases are diverse: increased energy, diesel and personnel costs as well as government requirements for investing in more environmentally friendly business practices are increasingly under pressure.

A heated debate about pricing is led behind the scenes. Critics such as Steffen Hartwig von der Linken express their concerns about the effects of the price increases on citizens weaker. These worries are reinforced by the deletion of the social ticket, which enabled discounted trips for people with low income. Mayor André Knapp sees the price increases without alternative to prevent cuts in the route network, while City Councilor Gudrun Vestner from the FDP shows on the one hand understanding of the necessary measure, but also sees the challenge of not excessive.

effects on public transport

The situation is not only a topic locally. Thuringian transport policy aims at improving and attracting public transport (public transport). Funding is provided to promote the investment expansion of public transport, such as digitales-infrastructure.thueringen.de . This includes the construction and expansion of access and link points as well as the promotion of modern passenger information systems.

In a larger context, the upcoming tariff increases in the Middle Hurnen Transport Association (VMT) are also relevant. From August 1, 2024, an average increase of around 9.97 percent is expected. These adjustments are necessary to cope with the financial challenges through high energy prices and other cost increases. As vmt-thueringen.de , the Germany ticket, which costs 49 euros, has been stabilized by a separate financing by the state and the federal government.