Increase in cost for Social Ticket; negotiations ongoing for Germany Ticket
Berlin's Sozialticket, a travel pass offering financial assistance to individuals with limited income, will see a price increase in January. The current price of €19 will rise to €27.50, a move that has been met with criticism from the left-wing opposition party, Die Linke.
The Senator for Social Affairs in Berlin, Cansel Kiziltepe (SPD), confirmed the price increase. This marks the second time within a six-month period that the Sozialticket's price has been raised. Six months ago, the price was €9.
Meanwhile, the price of the Deutschlandticket, a nationwide public transport pass, has also seen an increase. At the start of this year, the price rose from €49 to €58, and discussions are underway for a further increase to between €62 and €64 from next year onward.
The administration has expressed regret over the price increase but justified it due to a tight budget. Disputes continue over funding for the Deutschlandticket, with the federal government wanting the states to shoulder more of the burden, and the states demanding greater federal support.
Detlef Tabbert, Brandenburg's Transport Minister, addressed a conference of transport ministers, urging a secure and stable future for Germany's nationwide public transport pass. Tabbert's call comes as criticism is directed at the CDU-SPD coalition for deepening social divisions in the city, with the increase in the price of the Sozialticket being a point of contention.
The Sozialticket was introduced to help those on income support or housing benefits afford public transport in Berlin. The price increase will return the Sozialticket to its 2022 level, before temporary reductions due to inflation and soaring gas prices.
Further discussions are underway about potential smaller increases for the Deutschlandticket next year. As the situation develops, Berliners will continue to monitor the cost of their public transport passes and the impact they may have on their wallets.
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