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Dispute over Germany ticket: states demand the federal government pay!
Lörrach is in focus in the context of financing the Deutschlandticket, while the federal and state governments argue about support and security.
Dispute over Germany ticket: states demand the federal government pay!
The Germany ticket is once again the focus of discussion because uncertainty about financing could be the downfall of the popular ticket. Almost 13.5 million people use this offer, which, however, comes with a price increase from 49 to 58 euros per month. The federal and state governments currently share the annual costs of 1.5 billion euros each, but the strained budget situation of many federal states is leading to serious concerns about this financial basis. The Verlagshaus Jaumann reports that the states in particular are demanding more planning security in order to pass the ticket to ensure beyond 2026.
In particular, the Bavarian Ministry of Transport, which chairs the Conference of Transport Ministers, emphasizes that due to the strained budget situation, they cannot raise more than the already mentioned 1.5 billion euros per year. This topic is also becoming a controversial topic, as the transport ministers from various federal states, such as Brandenburg and Lower Saxony, are primarily demanding that the federal government take over the financing. This was underlined by Brandenburg's Minister Tabbert and Lower Saxony's Minister Tonne, who both emphasized that a cap on the state shares should be enshrined in law.
Financing model on the brink
The prospect of future cost reimbursement remains uncertain. The VDV (Association of German Transport Companies) warns that the current subsidies are not enough. He predicts that the industry's losses could reach €2.3 billion in 2023, underlining the need for sound financial planning. Merkur also points out that the financing of the Deutschlandticket is crucial for its continued existence. The Federal Ministry of Transport has so far signaled resistance to higher financial burdens for the federal government.
These uncertainties could be exacerbated given an upcoming special transport ministers' conference scheduled for June 27. From then on, further steps to finance the ticket will be decided. While some ministers are ruling out giving in to a higher financial contribution from the states, pressure is growing on the federal government for more support.
Future prospects and challenges
Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner also expresses his doubts and calls for the federal government to have clear responsibility for financing the ticket. If you look at the fact that there have been numerous discussions since the start of travel with the Deutschlandticket, it is not surprising that there is skepticism among both users and politicians. These uncertainties could not only endanger the acceptance of the ticket, but also question the entire mobility concept in Germany, as Tagesschau reports.
With the demand for a fixed price regulation until at least 2028 and the possibility of linking the ticket price to an index, we are faced with the challenge of ensuring both economic stability and user-friendliness. In this area of tension, the state and federal government will be required to find a common path. Ultimately, it is in everyone's interest that the Deutschlandticket does not remain just a snapshot, but is a long-term mobility offer for all citizens.