The Union coalition rejected demands from state transport ministers seeking to freeze the price of the Deutschlandticket at its current rate of €63 due to the energy crisis. Speaking to the “Rheinische Post”, CSU parliamentary vice-chair Stephan Stracke contrasted the ticket with fuel prices, pointing out that there is no permanent, fixed price available for gasoline or diesel. He argued that many people are heavily dependent on cars, especially those in rural regions. For these individuals, switching entirely to public transportation (ÖPNV) for commuting or taking children to school is not feasible. Therefore, Stracke stated that offering drivers short-term relief from high fuel costs is the correct approach. Furthermore, the transport expert cautioned that deciding on a permanent fare structure for the Deutschlandticket beyond 2026 is premature, asserting that further development in the Middle East must first be awaited.
This stance contrasts with views expressed by other political figures, such as North Rhine-Westphalia’s Minister of Transport, Oliver Krischer (The Greens). Krischer had previously advocated for keeping the ticket price stable for the coming year. He argued to the same newspaper that public transport cannot be disregarded when billions of euros are being mobilized for the purpose of offering fuel discounts and reducing aviation taxes.
