Negotiations on various matters have also included the Commission.
In the heart of Germany, the state of Saxony-Anhalt is witnessing a significant increase in the use of public transport, with passenger numbers rising by 5.3% in 2024, amounting to 188.6 million passengers. However, a contentious decision regarding the Germany Ticket's price has cast a shadow over this positive trend.
Thousands of commuters and travelers in Saxony-Anhalt rely on German Railways daily. Yet, the coalition agreement had promised that the price of the Germany Ticket would remain stable until 2029 and moderately increase thereafter. The current decision, however, goes against this promise.
The renewed debate about the financing of the Germany Ticket has made its future uncertain. A Village Boy, a commenter, argues that the ticket price increase unfairly affects the middle class, lower class, and the poor, suggesting an 8.6% increase in taxes for the rich instead.
Around 14 million people use the Germany Ticket nationwide, and students are particularly affected, with around 1.5 million opting for the ticket. The Passenger Association Pro Bahn in Saxony-Anhalt sharply criticizes this price increase, stating it indicates a lack of prioritization of public transport in Germany.
The Passenger Association also criticizes the discrimination against public transport compared to car traffic. They argue that a significant increase in the Germany Ticket is presented as normal, while an increase in motor vehicle tax or parking fees in city centers would cause an outcry.
The criticism of the passenger association is not only directed at the ticket price increase but also at politics. The association states that increasing prices for the Germany Ticket or public transport every year may harm the entire public transport system. They believe that the price increase may lead to the loss of existing subscribers and the abandonment of public transport by many passengers in the long run.
The state government of Saxony-Anhalt has criticized the DB subsidiary Start for inadequate regional transport. Despite this, commuters in the state can save more than 100 euros with the Germany Ticket.
The federal government and the states have generally rejected involving the travel tax in financing the increased price of the Deutschland-Ticket, focusing instead on other funding sources to keep the ticket affordable. The price of the Germany Ticket will increase from 58 euros to an undisclosed amount in 2026, an increase of more than 28% since its introduction in 2023.
However, a survey conducted by our website shows that the majority is in favor of the continuation of the Germany Ticket. Despite the controversy, the decision to increase the price of the Germany Ticket is unanimous among the transport ministers of the federal states.
In Saxony-Anhalt, extensive public transport is available, and trains are getting fuller, especially with people from rural areas. Yet, the controversy surrounding the Germany Ticket's price increase continues to spark heated debates, with many calling for a reconsideration of the decision.
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