Holzkirchen (dpa / lby) – The managing director of the Bavarian Regiobahn, Arnulf Schuchmann, is skeptical as to whether many new customers will continue to use the train and bus after the end of the 9-euro ticket. “Because now the price level that applied until the end of April 2022 is continuing, and the industry is already talking about price increases that are coming very soon,” said Schuchmann on Thursday.
He drew a mixed balance for the nationwide 9-euro ticket, which expires at the end of August. On the one hand, many used the train and bus for excursions or “tried out train travel without having to pay attention to zones and networks. That was definitely the biggest advantage, the simplicity,” said Schuchmann. Compared to the pre-Corona year 2019, the Bavarian Regiobahn had between 40 and 60 percent more demand.
But “overcrowded trains unfortunately quickly spoiled the initial desire for public transport for many travelers”. In addition, there are train cancellations and long delays due to the dilapidated infrastructure, which repeatedly leads to short-term closures and slow-moving sections. “This problem will be with us for a long time and has caused a lot of irritation during the three months.”
