Former Berlin Senator for Economic Affairs Ramona Pop (archive photo) Photo: picture alliance
From BZ/epd
Germany’s top consumer advocate Ramona Pop is in favor of extending the 9-euro ticket beyond August.
The new board member of the Federal Association of Consumer Centers called for a “continuation with a 29-euro ticket from September”.
The sales figures and full trains showed that people are really using the ticket, she told the newspapers of the Essen-based Funke media group (Friday).
A big advantage is the simplicity. “You no longer have to understand the complicated tariff structures of various transport associations in order to buy the right ticket,” said the former Berlin Senator for Economic Affairs (Greens).
With a low price, it is affordable for many people to travel in an environmentally friendly manner. At the same time, the offer must be expanded, especially in rural areas. “The dismantling of railway lines in the past few decades was a wrong decision,” criticized Pop.
She expressed skepticism about a possible extension of the tank discount on petrol and diesel. Above all, those with large cars that consume a lot would be promoted. “People on low incomes cannot afford such gas guzzlers,” said the consumer advocate. “It’s not the fairest model.”
