In the summer, things could get tight on German buses and trains: According to Transport Minister Wissing, seven million 9-euro tickets have been sold so far. Meanwhile, the assessment is different. Some see climate protection strengthened, others fear dense crowds.
Shortly before the start of the 9-euro ticket, politicians and companies have great expectations of the traffic and climate effect. Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing said that seven million tickets for nationwide local transport have already been sold. “The ticket already has a permanent place in the hearts of people in Germany.” This will make local transport more attractive in the long term and help with the necessary climate protection. After the onset of the corona pandemic, there were still reserves in trains and buses.
The Association of Transport Companies (VDV) urged composure because of the expected rush, for example in holiday regions. “It’s a real Woodstock in local public transport,” said general manager Oliver Wolff, referring to the legendary hippie festival in 1969. At a concert, you’re also crowded. Together with regular subscription customers, 30 million users are expected.
The coalition committee of the traffic light had decided on the ticket for nine euros per month over a quarter of a year as compensation for the increased burden of energy prices. It is considered a project primarily by the Greens after the FDP pushed through temporary tax cuts for energy such as a tank discount, which benefit motorists in particular. Both the ticket and the discount are valid from June 1st. The federal government compensates for the shortfalls of the transport companies in local transport with 2.5 billion euros.
“We are trying to turn a socio-political concept into a traffic-political one,” said Wolff from the VDV. The aim must be that new passengers continue to use buses and trains in the long term. The VDV, but also the federal states, which are responsible for local transport, called for an expansion. “But that also means that we have to invest more in local transport,” said Bremen Transport Senator Maike Schäfer, Chair of the State Transport Ministers. The ticket doesn’t help if the bus only runs twice a day. “We have to open up rural areas better.” With a view to next year, the federal and state governments want to negotiate more funds for local public transport, as provided for in the coalition agreement. In recent years, the federal government has transferred around ten billion euros to the federal states.
