Thuringia's Minister Warns Against Strict Fiscal Rules for Germany Ticket
Thuringia expresses a critical stance towards the financial games associated with the Germany ticket. - Germany's Thuringia Views Financial Gambling as Jeopardizing Germany Lottery
In Thuringia, they're keeping an eye out for a fair compromise on the financing of the Germany Ticket beyond 2025. Minister of Transport Steffen Schütz (BSW) isn't down for full-blown federal government control of the costs -, bitter pill that would be, he warns.
The heart of Germany lies in the Thuringia ticket, a sweet deal that takes locals and travelers alike on a ride for just 58 euros a month. It's a team effort, with the federal government and the states each kicking in 1.5 billion euros to make up for the transport companies' lost revenue.
"Keep the states in the game," Schütz demands, adding that half a loaf is already a struggle for Thuringia's purse. "In a perfect world, the feds might pick up a bit more of the slack – say, 52 percent?"
The ticket's good for more than just our collective wallets. From a transport, social, and environmental viewpoint, its long life is key. That's why Thuringia's going to fight tooth and nail to keep it rolling.
A big meeting of transport ministers is coming up in Berlin on June 27, where the little matter of financing will be discussed. The word is that Thuringia's all in for finding a secure (and legal!) way to kickstart a permanent ticket party.
As for a price hike, some folks are getting antsy. Schütz isn't ruling it out down the line, but he thinks the ticket should remain affordable and easy to handle, y'know, like a well-oiled machine.
So far, the "Germany Ticket" has only been securely funded till the end of the year. In the federal coalition agreement, the boys and girls from CDU, CSU, and SPD made it clear that users should expect steeper prices starting in 2029.
- Germany Ticket
- Thuringia
- Steffen Schütz
- Transport Policy
- Federal Government Contribution
- Berlin meeting
- Coalition Agreement
- Minister Steffen Schütz from Thuringia advocates for the involvement of states in the financing of the Germany Ticket beyond 2025, stressing the need for a fair contribution from the federal government.
- The upcoming Berlin meeting of transport ministers could discuss a secure and legal way for Thuringia to continue funding the Germany Ticket, aiming for its permanent implementation.
- The Federal Coalition Agreement mentions that users of the Germany Ticket should anticipate higher prices starting from 2029, which Thuringia's Transport Minister Steffen Schütz does not rule out, but he emphasizes the ticket should remain affordable and easy to use for all.
