Increased German ticket prices criticized by leftist politician Beutin as a significant obstacle
In a move that has sparked controversy, the transport ministers of the federal states have agreed unanimously to increase the Germany ticket price to 63 euros per month, starting from 2026. This price hike is 14 euros higher than the current price, and the decision was made at a special conference held in Munich.
The increase in the Germany ticket price is not sitting well with Lorenz Gösta Beutin, the chairman of the environmental committee in the Bundestag and a vocal critic of the decision. Beutin views the price increase as a breach of promise by the federal government and a disastrous move for climate policy.
Beutin argues that keeping the Germany ticket permanently at 49 euros or even lower is possible with the funds freed up from abolishing climate-damaging subsidies, such as the company car privilege. By doing so, the costs of the Germany ticket would not be shifted onto passengers, which Beutin considers socially unfair.
In the interest of climate protection, Beutin suggests significantly expanding public local and regional transport. He believes that this would make the Germany ticket more affordable for people with low and middle incomes, allowing them to leave behind car and fuel costs.
The Germany ticket, which became available in May 2023, was initially introduced as a means to encourage the use of public transportation and promote sustainability. Beutin states that the ticket should represent a real transport turnaround, being affordable, simple, and attractive.
The source of this information is dpa / EVN. It's important to note that the Germany ticket price had previously risen to 58 euros at the beginning of the year, and Beutin considers the current proposed increase as unnecessary and wrong.
Critics of the price increase argue that it will make public transportation less accessible for many people, particularly those with lower incomes. Beutin, however, remains hopeful that the federal government will reconsider its decision and find a more equitable solution for the Germany ticket price.
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