–
It is a success that surprises political and economic circles. In June alone, Germany sold 21 million transport tickets at 9 euros. They were added to the 10 million tickets sold each month by subscription on local and regional lines.
Fears of crowded trains or public transport – except for some weekend tourist lines – have been largely swept away. Also according to the first analyzes on attendance, for the first time in the country, train travel over distances of less than 100 km has increased. They are 58% higher than before the pandemic.
The traffic congestion analysis site Tomtom also noted the drop in the number of vehicles in 23 out of 26 German cities. The site states that ” this reduction in congestion is certainly linked to the launch of the 9 euro banknote« .
Find a replacement for September
Therefore, the German authorities are considering extending this offer exceptional, which will end on August 31. It was announced in May by the Scholz government to reduce the cost of living for Germans but also to help reduce the country’s energy consumption. But the €9 ticket – open to everyone, including foreign visitors – is largely in deficit. It actually costs 2.5 billion euros to the coffers of the federal state. It is therefore unlikely to last at this price.
The German government is therefore now working on two other options. Which could both be adopted: a “Climate” ticket, the annual price of which would be 365 euros. Or one euro per day for the use of all public transport. Or even a monthly ticket at 29 euros. Again with the same advantages as the current offer at 9 euros. A decision should be made in August.
Emulators elsewhere in Europe
The German example encourages other European countries to set up incentive measures to encourage travelers to favor public transport rather than the car. In Spainthe government will propose the free passenger transport on regional and local lines for all travelers using multi-trip cards. A measure that primarily targets users going to their place of work. It will apply from September to the end of 2022.
Ireland has also lowered the price of its regional tickets by 20% to 30% with its TFI Leap Card prepaid transport card system. Also remember that the Luxembourg has made all its transport free for several years.
Will the French government follow in the footsteps of its European counterparts with a similar measure? Notably after President Macron’s speech on July 14 calling for “energy sobriety” ? Case to follow.
–
