Public transport journeys are set to become more expensive for many commuters across several regions, starting January 1. Several large transport associations, including the Verkehrsverbund Berlin-Brandenburg (VBB), Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr (VRR), and Münchner Verkehrsverbund (MVV), have announced fare hikes.
In the Augsburg Transport and Tariff Association (AVV), passengers can expect an average increase of 12.7% for bus and train tickets. A one-way journey will cost 1.90 euros, which is relatively affordable compared to other regions. Price hikes are also significant in North Rhine-Westphalia, with the Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Sieg (VRS) seeing a 10.4% increase, and the Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr (VRR) a 9.4% rise.
The reasons behind these hikes are primarily attributed to rising costs for personnel and energy. For instance, Verkehrsverbund Mittelthüringen (VMT) describes the situation as "dramatic" and anticipates no price adjustments in January due to a traditional cut-off date in August 1. Meanwhile, the VBB and Greater Hanover Transport (GVH) are increasing their ticket prices by 6.7% and 7% respectively.
In contrast, Munich's public transportation fare adjustments are lower than those in other cities, with shareholders deciding on an average price increase of 4.3%. However, the Deutschticket, allowing nationwide public transportation access, remains unaffected for the time being, with a monthly price of 49 euros.
The fare hikes only pertain to each association's fare offers and do not impact the Deutschlandticket price. Yet, a potential increase for the Deutschlandticket in the upcoming year is not unlikely due to compensation from federal and state governments for losses incurred by transport companies as a result of the Deutschlandticket.
