Increase in cost for Social Ticket; negotiations for Germany Ticket in progress
Berlin's Sozialticket Price to Increase to €27.50, Stoking Controversy
The price of the Sozialticket, a discounted travel pass for Berlin residents on income support or housing benefits, is set to rise from January 2023 to €27.50. This increase has sparked criticism from the left-wing opposition party, Die Linke, who accuse the CDU-SPD coalition in Berlin of deepening social divisions in the city.
The Sozialticket's price has seen a significant increase since April 2022, when it was €19. Six months ago, the cost was just €9. However, officials claim that the new price returns the Sozialticket to its 2022 level, before temporary reductions due to inflation and soaring gas prices.
Meanwhile, the price of the nationwide Deutschlandticket, which offers unlimited travel on trains, buses, and trams, has also risen. At the start of this year, it increased from €49 to €58. Further increases for the Deutschlandticket are under discussion for next year, with the current proposal suggesting a rise to €63 per month from 2026.
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. Munich's Brandenburg's Transport Minister, Detlef Tabbert (BSW), addressed a conference of transport ministers, urging a secure and stable future for Germany's nationwide public transport pass.
Berlin's Senator for Social Affairs, Cansel Kiziltepe (SPD), has confirmed that the price of the Sozialticket will increase again, but the administration regrets the decision and justifies it due to a tight budget. The increase in the Sozialticket price has been met with sharp criticism from Die Linke, who argue that it will exacerbate social inequalities in the city.
As the cost of living continues to rise, the debate over public transport pricing and its impact on society remains a contentious issue in Berlin and across Germany.
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