The Federal Cabinet has approved the financing of the Germany tickets extended until 2026. The federal and state governments each intend to contribute €1,5 billion to the project. Although the current funding framework is thus secured in the short term, transport companies and individual federal states still see a significant funding gap. Since the price increase from €49 to €58 per month at the beginning of the year, the Deutschlandticket has registered around 13,5 million subscribers, thus missing its political target of 15 million users.
According to the Association of German Transport Companies (VDV), while it is a success that the number of subscribers has not decreased after the price increase, the industry sees a need for further action. Higher sales figures are necessary for a substantial contribution to the transport revolution and the strengthening of regional tourism. According to VDV calculations, the annual deficit amounts to at least 3,5 billion euros. The transport companies, which depend on these revenues in their annual financial statements, are demanding stable and long-term financing.
Several German states, including Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony, are demanding clear, long-term commitments from the federal government. Schleswig-Holstein's Transport Minister Claus Ruhe Madsen (CDU) warned that current funding is insufficient and that service reductions are imminent. Lower Saxony's Transport Minister Grant Hendrik Tonne (SPD) rejected further price increases, warning of a potential domino effect that could jeopardize the entire ticket system. Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania emphasized the need to make the ticket more attractive for specific target groups such as students and commuters.
The German Tourism Association (DTV) also expressed concerns. Managing Director Norbert Kunz warned that price increases could jeopardize the ticket's acceptance. He argued that mobility should not become a financial burden for private households. The extension of funding only secures the ticket's continued existence for the coming year. Funding for the period thereafter remains unclear. A newly established coordination group comprised of federal and state representatives is now tasked with developing proposals for a long-term solution.