It is a symbolic decision in favor of public transport which has just been taken in Germany. From June 1st and until August 31st, our neighbors across the Rhine will be able to benefit from a new offer allowing access to many rail networks for just a few euros per month.
In detail, users will be able to use the entire regional transport network, as well as buses, metros and trams in the main cities of the country for only 9 euros per month. No sales cap has been set at this time. This measure, which should also cost 2.5 billion euros, is placed alongside a series of others aimed at limiting the impact of rising prices on the portfolio of Germans, such as the payment of a bonus of 300 euros for employees or a reduction in fuel tax.
For the government coalition in power, the objective is threefold. First, support the purchasing power of households, while inflation weighs on the accounts of individuals across the European Union. Second, to reduce car use and the country’s dependence on Russian oil and petroleum products. Particularly dependent on Russia for its supply, Germany has seen energy prices jump.
In addition, the government also wants to encourage Germans to take the train, a less polluting means of transport, to fulfill its ecological commitments. The coalition wishes to continue its efforts to democratize the use of public transport in order to achieve the ambitious objectives it has set itself: to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 65% ??in 2030 and to achieve carbon neutrality in the transport sector by 2045. According to the Federal Environment Agency, a regional train also emits 2.3 times less CO2 than a car.
Launched on May 23, the operation is already a success. In just one day, the site of Deutsche Bahn, the German SNCF, recorded 50,000 online ticket purchases. For its part, the Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe, which manages regional trains on the territory of the city of Berlin, sold 130,000 in three days.
The particularly favorable reception from consumers raises some concerns, first of all about financing. In addition, many consumer associations have pointed out that this decision could lead to a massive increase in passengers on already largely crowded regional trains during the holidays. It remains to be seen whether these concerns will materialize in the coming weeks.
