Increase in Ticket Prices: Germany's Failed Commitment Revealed
In a recent meeting at the Transport Ministers' Conference in Munich, the price of the Germany Ticket is set to rise to 63 euros per month, starting in 2026. The decision was made unanimously by the transport ministers of the German federal states, with Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU) involved in negotiations.
The increase in the price of the Germany Ticket has not gone unnoticed. The Passenger Association PRO RAIL has voiced its criticism, believing that the price hike indicates a lack of priority given to public transport. Detlef Neuß, Federal Chairman of the Passenger Association PRO RAIL, stated that the price increase reverses the ministers' commitment to the mobility turnaround.
Neuß further expressed his concern that the price increase gives the impression of a gradual abolition of the Germany Ticket through unattractive prices. He also emphasised the need for reducing overhead costs and enforcing these reductions against resistance.
Andreas Schröder, Vice Federal Chairman of PRO RAIL, called for a long-term funding framework with stable prices. He criticised the transport ministers for choosing to increase prices instead of reducing overhead costs, and for straining customer trust by renewing the price increase.
Schröder also pointed out that, based on inflation, an increase to 55 euros since its introduction in 2023 would have been sufficient. He argued that passengers need reliability and planning security, which the price of the Germany Ticket influences.
Regular price increases for the Germany Ticket are planned for the following years. The transport ministers' decision to increase the price has raised questions about the future of the Germany Ticket and the government's commitment to sustainable and affordable public transport.
