Germany’s nationwide public transport ticket, the "Deutschlandticket," will see a price increase to €58 per month beginning in January 2025, according to an announcement from German transport authorities. The monthly pass, which currently costs €49, offers unlimited travel on local and regional trains, trams, and buses across the country.
The price hike was discussed by state transport ministers in Düsseldorf on Monday as part of efforts to address budget shortfalls faced by Deutsche Bahn, the national railway company. North Rhine-Westphalia's Transport Minister, Oliver Krischer, described the increase as "moderate" and expressed confidence that the ticket will remain attractive to consumers despite the price change.
The Deutschlandticket was introduced in May 2023, following the success of the "€9 ticket," a short-term initiative launched in 2022 to support those struggling with rising energy prices. With over 13 million monthly users, the Deutschlandticket has been popular for offering affordable, unlimited public transportation.
However, some concerns have been raised about the potential impact of the price increase. Ramona Pop, chair of the Federation of German Consumer Organizations, warned that passengers might turn away from public transportation if the ticket becomes less affordable. Pop emphasized that keeping the ticket accessible is crucial, as it has been widely appreciated by the public.