The energy crisis does not go unnoticed by public transport either. Ticket prices keep going up. Passengers in BW are also affected – most severely in the Rhein-Neckar transport association (VRN).
Because of the energy crisis, passengers for journeys by bus or train in local public transport will have to pay significantly more in many places from next year. This was the result of an evaluation by the German Press Agency of price measures in almost a dozen large transport associations. The amount of the surcharge varies throughout Germany.
VRN most affected when evaluated
The Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Neckar (VRN) is most affected by the price increases. From January, bus and train prices there will be an average of 8.83 percent more expensive, with single tickets costing up to 1.10 euros more. The transport association is a mixed association and covers parts of Baden-Württemberg, Hesse and Rhineland-Palatinate.
In the case of another Hessian association, the Rhein-Main-Verbund (RMV), the price adjustments are more moderate. Public transport there will only be 1.5 percent more expensive on average from January 1st. Many other German alliances move between these two extremes. In the Rhein-Ruhr transport association in North Rhine-Westphalia, it is an average of 3.9 percent more, in the adjacent Rhein-Sieg transport association (VRS) 5.44 percent in two steps to January and July.
Increased energy costs are mostly to blame for price adjustments
Most associations justify the measures with the significantly increased energy costs. However, some also refer to the uncertain income situation that transport companies face due to the 49-euro ticket.
A public transport ticket for 49 euros: is it worth it? A comparison of the subscription prices for the Deutschlandticket and five large cities in Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate shows savings potential.
According to the current status, the 49-euro ticket should be available from April next year and, as a nationwide uniform public transport offer, will make local transport more attractive. Those who will then use it will only be affected by the increases for a transitional period until April – at least until the end of the first year, because the 49-euro ticket should also be available afterwards be adjusted for inflation.
