The wait for the new nationwide ticket is almost over. The Germany ticket for local public transport (ÖPNV) is expected to take its last major hurdle on Friday, with the Bundesrat voting on the financing of the project. The federal and state governments will each bear half of the costs for the 49-euro subscription. The aim is to make public transport more affordable and attractive for commuters and financially weaker people, with a nationwide ticket across all tariff zones and price conditions.
The ticket will help many switch from cars to buses and trains. Millions of people are expected to benefit from the new ticket, which will be available for purchase from May 1st. The 49-euro subscription will tie in with the popular 9-euro ticket that was offered for a limited period last summer.
The federal government and states are expected to raise 1.5 billion euros each from 2023 to 2025, according to the law that has already been passed by the Bundestag. Possible additional costs during the first year will also be shared equally. However, it remains unclear how financing will continue in the long-term, and the introductory price of the ticket is not expected to remain at 49 euros forever.
The Bundesrat is expected to clear the way for the new ticket, with the committee recommending that the plenum agree. It is considered certain that the state chamber will give the green light for the subscription. The Deutschlandticket will always be valid for the current calendar month, with cancellations allowed at the end of each month.
Transport companies have already taken pre-orders for the 49-euro ticket, with the official start of sales scheduled for next Monday. New customers must take out a new subscription online by the 10th of each month to be able to use the ticket on time in the following month.
