Federal Transport Minister Steffen Bilger, of the CDU, stated that the price increase for the Deutschlandticket is justifiable. Speaking to the news portal “T-Online,” the CDU politician maintained that the rise is moderate and that given the benefits the ticket provides, the adjustment is warranted. He added that the Deutschlandticket remains “a really great offer,” frequently proving cheaper than a traditional monthly public transport ticket and allowing users to travel across Germany using regional trains.
Bilger also endorsed the method used to calculate the ticket’s price. He considers the transition to an system where the price is determined by an “objective price index”-rather than needing to be negotiated politically every year-to be a highly positive development.
Concurrently, he defended the government’s new fuel rebate. Bilger stressed that granting quick relief to commuters and to the economy is a priority for the federal government. While acknowledging that the fuel rebate primarily benefits car owners, he countered this by pointing out that the government is simultaneously investing in railways on an unprecedented scale. He insists these two measures are not contradictory, noting that most car drivers also utilize public transport, and the issues should not be viewed as opposing forces.
For context, the Deutschlandticket was introduced in May 2023 as the successor to the Nine-Euro ticket, priced at 49 Euros per month. Since January, the price has been 63 Euros, and it is planned to increase further to 66.80 Euros in 2027, representing a total price increase of 36% since its introduction in 2023.
