2023-09-05 10:58:34
By Julien Da Sois
Published on 09/04/2023 at 12:14, Updated just now
The German subscription is valid on public transport and regional trains, but not on long-distance trains and buses. linking_from / stock.adobe.com
Since its launch in May, success has been evident for the “Deutschlandticket”, more than 11 million Germans having subscribed to this subscription.
Emmanuel Macron wants to draw inspiration from what is being done across the Rhine in rail matters. Invited Monday evening on the channel of the youtubeur HugoDécrypte, the Head of State was favorable to the establishment in France of a transport package of the same type as that launched last May in Germany. “I asked the Minister of Transport (Clément Beaune) to launch with all the regions that are ready to do so the same device“, he announced. “The regions that are ready to do it with the state, banco and here we go !», repeated the president.
The Elysée tenant is undoubtedly not insensitive to the success of the “Deutschlandticket”, this transport subscription at 49 euros per month allowing travel on the entire German public transport and regional train network – but not on long-distance trains and buses. After a whirlwind start – 250,000 sales during the first three days of presales – the number of subscriptions sold today has reached more than 11 million, according to a recent study by the German association of public transport companies (VDV). .
In July and August, no less than 10 million Germans used their subscription each month, again according to this study. The profile of subscribers shows that this new package has encouraged the desire for the train, since 8% of purchasers had never used public transport before. “The results of the study also show for the first time that a transition is in the process of motorized individual transport towards more climate-friendly public transport“, notes the VDV, because 5% of the journeys made with the “Deutschlandticket” would otherwise have been made by car.
Read alsoTrains: Macron wants to launch an unlimited subscription on local transport, as in Germany
“Increasing the attractiveness of public transport”
Eventually, Deutsche Bahn, the German public railway company, is aiming for 17 million subscribers, or one in five Germans. Including 6 million new and 11 million subscription holders today who should switch to the new offer. The potential for additional customers is there, confirms the VDV. Especially among students. “There is still no political solution for a uniform nationwide ticket for the three million students“, observes the association. With the start of the school year, she also expects more companies to offer their employees the “Deutschlandticket”, part of which can be subsidized by employers.
This subscription at 49 euros per month was launched across the Rhine following the success of the monthly package at 9 euros last year. At the time, it was only offered from June to September, with the aim of supporting German purchasing power and developing the train. It had been sold no less than 52 million. “Like the nine-euro package, the Deutschlandticket aims to provide financial relief to citizens in the face of the sharp rise in energy prices, explains the federal government in a FAQ on its website. At the same time, it should significantly increase the attractiveness of public transport, encourage people to give up the car in favor of buses and trains, and thus contribute to the achievement of climate objectives.»
Read alsoAn unlimited national transport ticket for 49 euros per month: can we consider such an offer in France?
Funding uncertain
However, there are still uncertainties about the long-term financing of this unlimited transport pass. The federal government has undertaken to devote 1.5 billion euros per year to it between 2023 and 2025 – the same for the Länder. On the other hand, the additional cost sharing agreement between the two parties is only valid until the end of the year, endangering the sustainability of the system, some players warn. “It is necessary to reach an agreement between the Federal Government and the Länder government as soon as possible on the further financing of the ticket in the coming years“, calls the VDV.
In addition, the arrival of this new ticket comes as the German rail network is in disrepair. The 9-euro package last summer had highlighted its dilapidation, the result of years of chronic under-investment: overcrowded trains, repeated delays, rolling stock failures… “The situation is so dramatic that there is no alternative to the general renovation of the network“, had estimated last April the German Secretary of State for Transport Michael Theurer to the DPA press agency.
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