The 49-euro ticket will start in a few weeks. But where is it valid and for whom is the ticket worthwhile? We clarify the most important questions about the Deutschlandticket.
A successor to the popular 9-euro ticket has been discussed for a long time. The so-called Deutschlandticket (49-euro ticket) has now made it through the Bundestag and is to bundle public transport offers throughout Germany from May 1st. However, some questions about the concrete implementation remain. We answer the most important ones here:
How does the 49 euro ticket work?
The 49-euro ticket is intended to be an offer that replaces the complicated ticket structures of various transport associations with a uniform ticket throughout Germany. In addition, it should be cheaper than most regional subscriptions. It is expected to be offered as a monthly cancellable subscription. The ticket will not be transferrable.
Where can you go with the 49 euro ticket?
With the Deutschlandticket you will be able to use local transport throughout Germany. As with the 9-euro ticket, you could travel from Cologne to Munich, for example, if you only use the included regional trains.
Which trains can you use with the Deutschlandticket?
The means of transport included include all local transport, i.e. buses, trams, subways, suburban trains and regional trains. It doesn’t matter whether it’s Deutsche Bahn or a regional operator. Long-distance trains operated by Deutsche Bahn such as IC and ICE trains are not included. First class on trains may not be used with the ticket. Likewise, buses and trains from Flixbus cannot be used with the ticket.
For whom is the 49-euro ticket worthwhile?
There are already a large number of tickets and subscriptions in the various regions of Germany that offer different services at different prices. Therefore advises Consumer Center to compare the local offers not only in terms of price, but also in terms of the scope of services with the 49-euro ticket.
If you already have a ticket, you can ask yourself the following questions:
1. Is the regional offer cheaper than the Deutschlandticket?
2. How often would I use the additional spatial flexibility of the Deutschlandticket?
3. Can I take people with me on my current ticket and do I use this function?
4. Is my current ticket transferable and can I use it with someone else?
5. Do I regularly take my dog or a bicycle with me?
What will change with the 49-euro ticket for subscribers?
The various transport companies are each treating the introduction of the Deutschlandticket differently. In most cases, subscribers are informed by the transport company about changes or conversions to the existing subscription. It is then often possible to switch the subscription to the Deutschlandticket. Subscribers should take a close look and rate the offers according to the questions from the above point “For whom is the 49-euro ticket worth it?”. The Consumer Center advises you to take a close look at a change, as subscription benefits can be lost as a result of the change.
Is there a cheaper 49-euro ticket for students, pupils, trainees and seniors?
In some federal states, such as Bavaria, cheaper versions of the Deutschlandticket for trainees and students have already been announced. Other countries are also considering discounts for seniors and students. Suggestions are usually based on a variant for 29 euros per month. In the case of students, a reduction and Germany-wide validity of the existing semester ticket is currently being discussed. Some federal states already have their own variants, such as the youth ticket in Baden-Württemberg.
How is the 49 euro ticket financed?
During the debate about the exact design of the Germany ticket, the price was a central point of contention. In particular, many considered a simple continuation of the previous 9-euro ticket to be unaffordable. According to the decision of the Bundestag, half of the lower income of the transport companies from the current 49-euro ticket should be borne by the federal government and the other half by the federal states. The federal government is providing 1.5 billion euros annually for this until 2025. The countries should bear the rest.
Does the price of 49 euros remain?
The agreed price of 49 euros is expressly intended to be an introductory price. Accordingly, the price can be raised by the Bundestag in the future. Changes should be coordinated between the federal and state governments for this purpose. However, representatives of the traffic light coalition emphasized that the price should be maintained for as long as possible.
Is there criticism of the 49-euro ticket?
The Union criticizes that the ticket only makes sense for people in metropolitan areas. Furthermore, it is a mistake not to use government spending to expand and improve the offer instead. From the left there is criticism of the price of the ticket. According to them, the ticket is still too expensive to get many people to switch.
Also read: Does the subscription really work nationwide at the start?
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