The Bavarian Minister of Transport and chairman of the Ministers Conference for Transport, Christian Bernreiter (CSU), has again ruled out a nationwide ticket option aimed at occasional riders. Speaking to the “Rheinische Post”, Bernreiter stated that now is not the appropriate time to introduce any new subsidized fares.
The Bavarian minister argued that a fare based on a reduced Germany Ticket would likely drive away customers. He warned that many existing subscribers might cancel their services, adding, “We cannot continually drain the system of money.” Bernreiter firmly rejected the introduction of a “Deutschlandticket light.”
He emphasized that efforts should instead focus on developing solutions to guarantee barrier-free access to public transport. This stance aligns with the view of most other transport ministers, a sentiment echoed by Federal Transport Minister Steffen Bilger (CDU).
Previously, Bilger had described the proposal for a nationally valid pass for occasional public transport journeys as “an exciting idea” in the “Kölner Stadtanzeiger”. Nonetheless, Bernreiter indicated that while discussion might continue, he is opposed to the specific proposal.
