Young people call for reduced ticket prices - government under fire for high costs
Lower Saxony Apprentice Ticket: Youth Organizations Criticize Modified Plans
In Lower Saxony, a proposed statewide ticket for apprentices and volunteers has sparked controversy among youth organizations. The ticket, initially announced in the 2022 coalition agreement between the SPD and Greens, was intended to cost 29 euros per month. However, recent developments have led to concerns about affordability and accessibility.
In the region of Hannover, the new "D-Ticket Hannover Youth" will be introduced on 1 September, allowing young people under 23 years old to use public transport for 30.40 euros per month. This is a significant increase from the initially proposed 29 euros, and apprentices in the region can benefit from subsidies that will lower their monthly cost to a maximum of 13 euros.
However, youth organizations in Lower Saxony have criticized these modified plans, stating that they do not represent a real improvement and go back on promises. They argue that the increased cost could pose a barrier to access for many apprentices, particularly those with lower incomes.
Stephan Christ, the transport policy spokesman for the Green state parliamentary group, has described the government's plans as an important step, but has stressed that it should only be a first step towards expanding the offer as agreed in the coalition agreement. He believes that the ticket should ultimately be made more affordable and accessible to all apprentices and volunteers in the state.
In a bid to address these concerns, the state government is currently testing a variant of the ticket for around 46 euros per month. The introduction in the county of Bentheim is part of a one-year pilot project until 31 July 2026. In Bentheim, a discounted but full-value Germany ticket for students and apprentices has been in effect since 1 August for 30 euros per month.
Youth organizations see the proposed ticket as a step backwards in terms of educational justice, social participation, and climate goals. They call upon the state government and the members of the governing parties to fundamentally realign and strengthen the mobility of young people and volunteers in Lower Saxony in a sustainable way.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how the Lower Saxony government will address these concerns and whether the ticket will be made more affordable and accessible for apprentices and volunteers.
- The criticism from youth organizations in Lower Saxony about the modified apprentice ticket policy and legislation highlights their concerns about its affordability and accessibility.
- In the midst of political debates over the apprentice ticket in Lower Saxony, some argue that the potential impact on educational justice, social participation, and climate goals should also be considered in policy-and-legislation decisions regarding politics and general-news.
