Germany Extends Popular €49 Public Transport Pass into 2024
Germany has decided to extend its highly popular €49 public transport pass, known as the ‘Deutschlandticket,' throughout 2024.
Launched in 2023, the pass, which grants unlimited access to local and regional public transport, witnessed overwhelming success, with over three million Germans purchasing it within the first month of its release.
Germany’s 16 regional transport ministers have agreed to keep the €49 (US$53) Deutschlandticket monthly pass until the end of the year.
There had been widespread apprehension that the subsidised fee would be increased or even discontinued, but the ministers announced that it would continue.
The ‘Deutschlandticket,' also known as the ‘D-ticket,' costs €49 per month, translating to approximately €1.60 per day. This budget-friendly pass is valid for all city buses, subways, and trams across municipalities in Germany, as well as short and medium-distance transport, including trains.
However, it does not cover long-distance trains operated by DB Fernverkehr AG (including RE) or other providers like FlixTrain (IC, EC, ICE).
The pass was introduced as a successor to the €9-per-month trial ticket in the summer of 2022, implemented in response to rising inflation following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Despite the initial success of the ultra-cheap pass, with over 52 million tickets sold in June, July, and August, the €9 price was deemed unsustainable in the long term.
The €49 ticket faced overwhelming demand, causing Deutsche Bahn’s website to crash upon its initial launch. Since then up to 11 million customers have taken advantage of the new offer. Approximately eight percent of these people have not generally used public transport before.
The extension of the €49 public transport pass positively impacts commuters by providing cost savings, accessibility, travel flexibility, and continued environmental benefits.
The government's commitment to supporting the pass alleviates concerns about potential price hikes, contributing to a more sustainable and affordable public transport system for the commuting population in Germany.
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