(de-news.net) – The German Bundestag has reached an agreement on a financial framework to ensure the continuation of the Deutschlandticket until the end of 2030. This national public transportation pass, introduced to promote affordable and sustainable mobility across the country, will receive substantial federal support amounting to 1.5 billion euros annually from 2026 through 2030. In a coordinated effort to stabilize the financial impact on transport providers, the federal states will contribute an equivalent sum, thereby jointly offsetting the anticipated revenue shortfalls experienced by regional and municipal transport operators.
The legislative foundation for the funding arrangement now reached was laid through the amendment of the Regionalization Act, which passed with the backing of the CDU/CSU and SPD parliamentary groups. The Greens chose to abstain from the vote, while the AfD and Die Linke opposed the legislative revision. The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the states in mitigating the financial consequences of the ticket’s low pricing structure, which has led to significant income reductions for transport authorities and service providers. To enhance transparency and accountability, a new mechanism for usage verification will be introduced in 2026.
In terms of pricing for consumers, the monthly cost of the Deutschlandticket will rise from 58 to 63 euros starting in 2026. From 2027 onward, the ticket price will be determined using a newly developed cost index. This index will incorporate key economic indicators such as wage trends and energy costs, aiming to reflect the actual financial pressures faced by transport operators while maintaining a fair pricing structure for users.
Initially, the Federal Government’s draft legislation proposed an extension of the Deutschlandticket until the end of 2026. However, following recommendations from the Transport Ministers’ Conference held in September and a formal opinion issued by the Bundesrat, the parliamentary transport committee adopted an amendment introduced by the coalition parties. This amendment extended the ticket’s validity by an additional four years, thereby securing its future until 2030.
Despite broad political consensus on the necessity of the ticket’s continuation, the planned price increases have sparked criticism from several quarters. The Greens, Die Linke, and a range of environmental and consumer advocacy organizations have voiced strong opposition to the costs dynamics. These groups argue that the original monthly fare of 49 euros should be permanently reinstated, emphasizing that the long-term success and accessibility of the Deutschlandticket hinge on its affordability for all segments of the population.
