In 2022, Germans were able to travel across the country using public transport for just 9 euros during the summer. It was a popular deal, even persuading car-loving boomers to take the train. However, there were criticisms of the increased tourism, such as punks and other groups vacationing on the island of Sylt. The success of the 9-Euro-Ticket led to the creation of a sequel, the Deutschlandticket, which allowed free access to all local and regional public transport for 49 euros. The ticket can be purchased from May 1st, and employers can offer a cheaper rate to their employees. However, there are concerns about overcrowding on buses and trains, and 5.6 million new travelers are expected to purchase the ticket. Despite these concerns, tourists can also benefit from the ticket as it is available as a monthly subscription.
In the summer of 2022, Germans could travel throughout the country with public transport, for just 9 euros. The cheap ticket was a hit and even got the country’s car-loving boomers to take the train to grab a beer in some nearby town.
Tourism flourished, but not entirely without criticism. On the tourist island of Sylt, the cheap ticket brought new people there, and Deutsche Welle reported irritation that punks and other critics of the system were vacationing on the island.
Germany’s “9-Euro-Ticket” danced for a summer, but left Germans with a craving for more. Now it has received a sequel: “Deutschlandticket” – the German ticket. Same concept but at a higher price. 49 euros, approximately SEK 500, for free access to all local and regional public transport in the country.
Even cheaper for commuters
Since Monday, you can pre-purchase the ticket, which will be valid from May 1, German media reports.
– The great success with “flat rate” for local transport continues. People want the German ticket. This morning we had twice as much traffic on our digital sales channels as a normal Monday, a spokesperson for train operator Deutsche Bahn told Tagesspiegel.
For commuters, it can be even cheaper if the employer contributes. As a job ticket, the Germany ticket costs only 34.30 euros, with the condition that the employer makes a contribution of at least 25 percent.
Behind the new ticket are tough negotiations about who will cover the costs. Several months of debate led to the federal federal government and all federal states’ own governments agreeing to cover half the ticket cost each. Last Friday, the Federal Council approved the proposal, and thus the political path was clear for the ticket.
The criticism: Overcrowded trains and buses
According to Tagesspiegel, the German Association of Transport Companies expects that around 5.6 million new travelers will buy the Germany ticket, and around eleven million existing customers will switch to using it. Critics fear the cheap fare will lead to overcrowded buses and trains.
– Buses and trains are already full, especially during peak hours, the supply in the countryside is meager and there is a lack of staff everywhere, says Stefan Körzell, board member of the umbrella union organization Deutscher Gewerkschaftsbund to Tagesspiegel.
Even tourists can benefit from the Germany ticket, which is a monthly subscription. However, you must remember to end the subscription when you get home.
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