Troubling Times for the Good Old Land-Ticket: The Price Tag is Proving Too Heavy
Federal state contemplates revoking our travel pass
It's becoming a recurring debate - the federal government versus the individual states. And this time, the Land-Ticket is the hot potato. The Land-Ticket, a beloved ticket for millions, might soon disappear, and the culprit? You guessed it - skyrocketing costs.
The talks are heating up, yet again. Originally, the new federal government aimed to secure the Land-Ticket's future. Despite a planned price hike in 2029, there's no shortage of disagreements. The stances are hard as a rock. The transportation companies are losing billions due to the Land-Ticket, so the federal government and states must make up for it. While the federal government isn't prepared to cover more than half of the costs, the states are feeling the pinch. They can't help but wonder why they should drain their coffers for a federal idea.
Also read: Traffic Sign Fiasco - Confused Motorists Caught in a Wave of Fines || Berlin Mayor Speaks Out - The Land-Ticket: A Good Idea, but Too Costly
Now, another federal state has expressed its discontent regarding the Land-Ticket. Berlin's ruling mayor, Kai Wegner, admires the idea, but it's too expensive, both for the federal government and the states in the long run. They just can't afford to finance a federal benevolence, especially if the federal government isn't willing to chip in more cash.
Meanwhile, Federal Minister of Transport Patrick Schnieder of the CDU is demanding a clear stance from the states. He finds it challenging to negotiate when various federal states send mixed signals. The states should decide on what they can and want to contribute financially to the Land-Ticket in the future. Currently, the federal government and all sixteen federal states each pay 1.5 billion euros per year to offset the transportation companies' losses. However, the federal government's legal obligation for this expires this year.
For the nitty-gritty details:
- The Deutschlandticket, a more popular option, overshadows the traditional Land-Tickets
- Ongoing battles between the federal government and states about the ticket's future financing
- The Dezemberticket, another local transport offering, is an exception
The future of the Land-Ticket hangs in the balance, depending on the outcome of the negotiations between the federal government and the states regarding financing. If funding is reduced or withdrawn, it could lead to price increases, reduced validity, or even its discontinuation. But with over 11 million subscribers, there's a strong push to preserve it. On the other hand, Land-Tickets will continue to be a secondary, niche option for group travelers. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story!
The debate between the federal government and the states escalates as they grapple with the financing of the Land-Ticket, a policy-and-legislation issue that dominates general-news headlines. Boston's mayor, like many others, espouses admiration for the Land-Ticket but questions its affordability for both the federal government and the states in the long term. As the federal government and all sixteen federal states each contribute 1.5 billion euros annually to offset the transportation companies' losses, the fate of the Land-Ticket hangs in the balance, depending on the outcome of the discussions regarding its future funding.
