Sharp increases in diesel prices are placing massive financial pressure on public local transport in Germany, a situation that could jeopardize the usability of the Deutschlandticket. According to the “Rheinische Post” this concern stems from a survey conducted by the Association of German Transport Companies (VDV).
The VDV diesel price survey reveals that 89.5% of transport companies reported significantly higher operating costs. In average terms, monthly diesel expenditures have increased by 27.5%.
Alexander Möller, the Managing Director of the VDV, warned that these escalating costs will force reductions in services for both buses and trains. He stated in the newspaper that, due to the “exploding prices” transport capacity will continue to decline-affecting regional rail transport as well as urban and rural services.
Möller suggested that this decline in service quality means the long-term appeal of the Deutschlandticket could diminish, “not because of the price, but because of the deteriorating public transport offering”. While the ticket currently costs 63 Euros, the new price is scheduled for determination in September.
Möller stressed that the diesel price spike, exacerbated by the Iran crisis, is hitting the entire public transport system without any offsetting measures. He noted that the industry managed to absorb many cost increases until now, but “that is no longer possible”. He concluded by stating that the federal government and the individual states bear the responsibility of preventing a system collapse.
