Steffen Schütz: Germany Ticket's Future Hinges on Federal-State Compromise
Thuringia criticizes the fiscal dispute regarding the Germany pass. - Germany's Thuringia region perceives gambling on financial markets as a potential hazard to ticket sales.
Got your eye on the ball, Steffen Schütz, Thuringia's Transport Minister, is working tirelessly to establish a compromise on the financing of the Germany ticket. In an interview with the German Press Agency, he expressed skepticism towards rigid demands that the federal government solely foot the bill, deeming such a regulation unrealistic and potentially detrimental to the ticket's survival.
For Thuringia, the ongoing viability of the Germany ticket—a popular option for millions of transport users nationwide—ranks high in terms of transportation, social, and ecological benefits. Currently, the Germany ticket's costs are evenly distributed between the federal government and the states, each contributing 1.5 billion euros. This arrangement offsets the revenue loss faced by transport corporations.
Schütz: More Money from the Feds
To keep the Germany ticket thriving, Schütz recommends maintaining the current 50-50 split between federal and state payments. However, considering the escalating costs and tight budget situation, he hopes the federal government could shoulder a slightly larger portion of the expenses. A feasible compromise, in his view, would be adjusting the financing model to slightly boost the federal government's financial contribution.
The proposed changes would ensure the ticket's financial stability, lighten state budgets, and align with the objectives outlined in the coalition agreement for enhancing the appeal and capacity of public local transport.
Don't Jack Up the Prices!
The finance ministers of Germany's states are scheduled to assemble in Berlin on June 27 for a meeting to discuss further funding for the Germany ticket. Schütz emphasized Thuringia's commitment to devising secure legal and financial strategies for the ticket's long-term sustainability. At present, opinions among the states vary significantly.
While Schütz is reluctant to consider a significant price rise for the Germany ticket, he understands the need for some adjustments over time to keep it affordable and appealing.
The Germany ticket's funding by the federal government and states is secured only till the end of the year as of now. The coalition agreement of CDU, CSU, and SPD states that the Germany ticket will continue beyond 2025, with users expecting higher prices from 2029.
- Germany ticket
- Thuringia
- Steffen Schütz
- Fahrkarte
- Erfurt
- German Press Agency
- Coalition agreement
- Thuringia's Transport Minister, Steffen Schütz, advocates for a compromise on the financing of the Germany ticket, expressing concerns over the federal government solely funding it.
- To maintain the Germany ticket's viability, Schütz suggests the federal government contributes a larger portion of the expenses while maintaining the current 50-50 split with the states.
- The proposed changes aim to ensure the Germany ticket's financial stability, align with the objectives of the coalition agreement, and lighten state budgets.
- The finance ministers of Germany's states are set to discuss further funding for the Germany ticket, with Schütz emphasizing Thuringia's commitment to devising secure strategies for the ticket's long-term sustainability. Despite the need for adjustments in the future, Schütz is reluctant to consider a significant price rise for the Germany ticket.
