(de-news.net) – From January 1, 2025, the Deutschlandticket for local public transport will cost 58 Euros per month. The transport ministers of the Federal States have agreed on this solution to ensure the financing of the model. The ticket, which has been available since May 2023, currently costs 49 Euros per person and each month. The price increase that has now been decided is intended to help offset the state subsidies from the federal and state governments.

The Federal Association of Consumer Organizations and the passenger association Pro Bahn criticized the increase. They fear that the higher costs could lead to a decline in the number of users. The social association VdK is calling for a social tariff of 29 Euros for people with low incomes.

In order to secure the Deutschlandticket in the long term, transport experts from ‘Allianz pro Schiene’ and the Greens had proposed more flexible pricing beforehand. “Loyal subscribers should be rewarded and retained,” said Stefan Gelbhaar, transport policy spokesman for the Green parliamentary group, according to a media report. The current price of 49 Euros per month should be maintained for for the annual subscriptions to “add additional value,” emphasized Gelbhaar.

The Deutschlandticket allows travel on all local and regional buses and trains nationwide, but not on long-distance trains. It is intended as a subscription, but can be canceled monthly.