Germany's €49 transport ticket faces backlash over planned price hike

Amid the energy crisis, calls are growing to temporarily freeze the price of Germany's nationwide 49-euro transport ticket at €63 instead of raising it on January 1, 2027.

"The inflation-linked increase planned for the Deutschlandticket in 2027 and 2028 must be suspended," Detlef Neuß, honorary chairman of the passenger rights group Pro Bahn, told the Rheinische Post (Thursday edition). He noted that the necessary funding would be less than the €1.6 billion allocated for the fuel discount.

Oliver Krischer, transport minister of North Rhine-Westphalia (Green Party), also opposed a price hike. "Keeping the Deutschlandticket at a stable price would send the right signal in these times," he told the newspaper. Krischer added that public transport must not be neglected when billions are being mobilized for fuel subsidies and cuts to aviation taxes. He also argued that allowing free travel for children and young people would significantly ease the burden on many families.

Petra Berg, transport minister of Saarland (SPD), warned of rising costs in local public transport. She cautioned against creating a situation where the state subsidizes gasoline while cutting back on buses and trains.