Germany agrees on a new single ticket for regional transport

This was the Germany's biggest summer success and we'll probably be talking about it for a long time to come. When the German federal government decided to reduce its citizens' energy bills for three months, one of the key measures was the introduction of a monthly ticket at 9 euros valid on all regional trains and public transport in the country.

The measure ended on 31 August. And it was a huge success: 52 million tickets soldaccording to the Association of German Transport Companies (Verband Deutscher Verkehrsunternehmen). One in 5 passengers was a newcomer, mainly because 17% of them had decided to switch from the car to public transport.

It's been a real success, and the public are now calling for this type of offer to be made permanent. The government has promised to find a new federal banknote. But it can no longer be set at €9, as the measure has in fact cost the State more than €2.5 billion. The government has therefore promised to find a successor, but its funding by the federation will be set at €1.5 billion. Another billion and a half euros will be paid by the Länder.

A report has been commissioned and the results should be available on 12 October. Some are talking about a ticket costing around €60 per month, others €49.. The new ticket for all public and regional transport services is due to come into force on 1 January 2023.