Thuringia's Transport Minister Faces Financial Gamble Over Germany Ticket
Thuringia expresses skepticism over the monetary gambling surrounding Germany's ticket allocation - Thuringia perceives financial poker as a possible hazard to the integrity of Germany's lottery system.
Steffen Schütz, Minister of Transport for Thuringia and member of BSW, has expressed cautious optimism for a compromise in the financing of the controversial Germany ticket post-2025. While he isn't banking on the federal government covering most of the costs, he foresees potential issues with states bearing the brunt. Such a scenario, he believes, could potentially seal the ticket's demise.
Thuringia views the enduring existence of the widely-used Germany ticket from a transport, social, and environmental standpoint as a top priority. The current Germany ticket, which provides a discounted pass for local and regional transport amounting to just €58 per month, is financially sustained by equal contributions from the federal government and the states, each providing €1.5 billion. This offsets the losses of transportation companies.
Schütz: Federal share needs a boost
The minister insistently pleads for the maintenance of the current shared costs, but already this proposal presents Thuringia with significant financial challenges. "Given the escalating costs and our tight budget, I wouldn't mind if the federal government shoulders a slightly larger share than the 50 percent we're currently covering," says Schütz.
A possible solution from Thuringia's perspective could be a moderate increase in the federal government's share, enhancing the financial stability of the Germany ticket while alleviating state budgets and honoring the objectives set in the federal government's coalition agreement. This aims to empower states and municipalities to upgrade the appeal and capacity of local transportation and attract higher passenger numbers.
Affordability key
An inter-state transportation ministers' conference is likely to take place in Berlin on June 27 to discuss the ticket's financing further. Schütz stressed the importance of devising long-term, secure legal and financial arrangements for the Deutschland-Ticket. As of now, different states hold contrasting positions.
Schütz conveyed reservations about a potential price hike for the Germany ticket. He reckons it must remain attractive, affordable, and user-friendly in the long run. However, he understands those who aren't ruling out a moderate price increase in the future.
The current financial support for the Germany ticket by the federal government and the states expires at the end of the year. In the coalition agreement of CDU, CSU, and SPD, they've pledged to keep the Germany ticket operational beyond 2025. From 2029, users should anticipate higher prices.
- Keywords: Germany ticket, Thuringia, Steffen Schütz, Fahrkarte, Erfurt, German Press Agency, Coalition agreement
The original article did not provide specific details about the proposed compromise for the financing of the Germany ticket beyond 2025 or any statements made by Thuringia's Minister of Transport Steffen Schütz. Additional context or sources would be required to provide a detailed answer.
- In the context of the Germany ticket's financing beyond 2025, Thuringia's Minister of Transport, Steffen Schütz, calls for a boost in the federal government's share, not only to secure the ticket's financial stability but also to align with the objectives set in the federal coalition agreement.
- As the Germany ticket's current financial support by the federal government and the states expires at the end of the year, Schütz emphasizes the need for long-term, secure legal and financial arrangements, ensuring the ticket remains affordable, user-friendly, and attractive to maintain high passenger numbers.
