Hüskens is pushing for clear financing for the Deutschlandticket!

Hüskens is pushing for clear financing for the Deutschlandticket!

Amid the ongoing discussions about financing the Deutschlandticket, Saxony-Anhalt's Infrastructure Minister Lydia Hüskens is looking for a reliable solution. It demands that the distribution of revenue and the equalization of burdens be clearly regulated in the long term. She emphasizes that the Deutschlandticket is only viable if the federal and state governments are jointly committed to financing it. From the perspective of a financially weak state, a higher federal share would be desirable, as a ratio of 50 percent funding from federal and state governments is considered necessary for the sustainability of the project.

Both the federal and state governments are currently contributing 1.5 billion euros per year to finance the ticket. But the federal funding has so far only been legally stipulated for 2023, which could lead to uncertainty about the long-term financial basis of the ticket. Negotiations between the federal and state governments regarding future financing are currently underway. One of these discussions recently took place in Berlin between Chancellor Olaf Scholz and the Prime Minister.

The Germany ticket in detail

The Deutschlandticket, which is available for 58 euros per month, enables nationwide access to local and regional transport. Although it is considered a successful model, financing beyond 2023 was controversial for a long time. But there is progress, because the federal and state governments have agreed to transfer unspent funds from 2023 to 2024 to cover additional costs. For 2024, the federal and state governments may again make 1.5 billion euros available to compensate for loss of income for bus and train operators.

The ticket quickly proved popular, but the industry is expecting high losses. According to forecasts, losses for 2023 will amount to 2.3 billion euros and for 2024 to 4.1 billion euros. A possible gap of 400 million euros could raise major concerns, especially since the exact billing is targeted for the years 2023 and 2024. Channels such as the consumer advice center and various environmental associations are critical of the uncertain long-term financing and warn of possible price increases.

Criticism and outlook

Ramona Pop from the consumer advice center is calling for an increase in federal and state funding in order to keep ticket prices stable. Transport Minister Volker Wissing has called on the state transport ministers to actively work on the success of the Deutschlandticket. At the same time, there are fears that the political discussions about future price increases, which will not be uncommon from 2029 according to the coalition agreement, could endanger the public's approval of the Deutschlandticket.

Hüskens suggests that the price of the ticket should be linked to an index, such as price increases in the transport sector, in order to avoid political influence on the price. However, these ideas and solutions must be implemented in good time before May 1, 2024 so that users can continue to benefit from the advantages of the Deutschlandticket without being financially overwhelmed.

Overall, the future of the Deutschlandticket remains uncertain, especially given the critical voices from various areas calling for clear and fair funding. The upcoming negotiations will be crucial to securing the project in the long term.

For further information and details on current developments read sueddeutsche.de as well as tagesschau.de.