Franziska Giffey (SPD), Governing Mayor of Berlin Photo: picture alliance/dpa
From BZ/dpa
Shortly before the consultations between the federal and state governments, Berlin’s Governing Mayor Franziska Giffey called for an agreement on a low-cost nationwide local transport ticket.
“I expect from the Prime Ministers’ Conference and the federal government that the Berlin model will set a precedent and that an agreement will be reached for the fastest possible introduction of a cheap, nationwide ticket,” said the SPD politician to the German Press Agency.
In Berlin, there has been a successor to the 9-euro ticket from the summer since October: a ticket financed by the state for 29 euros a month. It was initially intended to be offered up to and including December, but on Tuesday Giffey announced an extension until the end of March. How things will continue from April 2023 is open and depends not least on which nationwide solution the federal and state governments agree on. Most recently, there was talk of a 49-euro ticket, but there were still open questions about financing.
Strengthening local public transport is “good for all of Germany because it noticeably relieves people, ensures social participation and accelerates the turnaround in transport,” argues Giffey. Introducing a 49-euro ticket that is valid nationwide would be “the game changer for modern mobility” for them. “We need this signal as soon as possible, preferably from January 2023.”
Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) and the heads of government of the federal states will meet on Wednesday to discuss financial issues. It is also about a 49-euro ticket and permanently more money for local public transport (ÖPNV).