A potential price adjustment for the Deutschlandticket, the flat-rate public transport pass currently priced at €58, is under consideration as policymakers convene this week to discuss its future. A draft resolution, obtained by the Tagesspiegel and slated for discussion at a special conference of transport ministers on Thursday, suggests a possible increase to either €62 or €64, effective from 2026. Following this initial adjustment, the price is projected to be adjusted annually based on a newly defined cost index.
This cost index, designed to reflect evolving operational expenses, is expected to be finalized before the next regularly scheduled conference of state transport ministers in the autumn. The index will specifically factor in personnel and energy costs and its development will involve consultations with representatives from the transport sector.
Discussions surrounding the Deutschlandticket’s financing extend beyond the potential price increases. Currently, the federal government and the states each contribute €1.5 billion annually to compensate transport companies for revenue losses resulting from the discounted fare. The states intend to maintain this level of funding until 2030, contingent upon the federal government committing to continue its own contribution at the same amount.
The financial sustainability of the Deutschlandticket, launched in May 2023, has been a subject of ongoing debate. While the governing coalition has pledged to continue the program, the original agreement stipulated that price increases should not occur until 2029. The upcoming conference aims to address these funding challenges and determine a viable path forward for the popular transport initiative.
