GERMANY AGREES ON SUCCESSOR TO €9 TICKET FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT

After weeks of discussion, Germany’s Federal Government and the premiers of the Länder states have agreed to launch a €49 ticket that can be used on all public and regional transport methods inside the country.

On October 13, Germany’s Federal government and the Länder agreed, in principle, on a successor to the €9 Ticket. However, the condition remains that the Government increases the regionalisation funds for local public transport (ÖPNV).

The €49 ticket is due to be introduced on January 1st, 2023, if all the conditions are agreed by both the Federation and the Länder. The Federal government will provide €1.5 billion annually from 2023 onwards. The aim is for the federal states to provide the same amount of funding.

From the point of view of the state ministers (Premiers), the condition remains that Germany’s Federal government significantly increases regionalisation funds to finance and stabilise local public transport. The next decision on this matter must be made by the various heads of government of the Federal states. There is however, little doubt that the decision will be adopted and that a compromise will be found on means to finance the measure. The ticket will be valid all across Germany for all types of regional and urban transportation.

According to local media, the new ticket will only be sold digitally. However, the offer might only be of limited interest for tourists as it will only be available as a monthly subscription. Meanwhile, it has been explained that anyone who signs up for the scheme will be able to cancel the subscription at any time.

In another development, Berlin is offering a €29 ticket valid for all public transport within its city boundaries, until the end of the year. The ticket is, however, only available by subscription.