German parliament committee greenlights controversial 9-euro public transport ticket

The transport committee in Germany’s national parliament (Bundestag) has voted in favour of 2.5 billion euros in financial support for the federal states to offer citizens public transport tickets for 9 euros per month for a limited time – a key element of a relief package for high energy costs. The ticket would enable people to use the entire local public transport system nationwide at reduced fares in June, July and August this year. The Bundestag is expected to vote on the bill on 19 May, then the council of state governments (Bundesrat) must approve the measure as well.

The plan has drawn mixed reactions from the transport industry, the federal states, the municipalities and NGOs. Several state governments have threatened to block the legislation unless the federal government puts up more funds for local transport, news station n-tv reported. Environmental organisations have said that while the ticket is just a one-off support measure, public transport requires structural and long-term improvements. The transport companies themselves have warned of overcrowded trains and buses during the summer months and called for more personnel.

The government coalition decided in March to introduce 9-euro monthly public transport tickets for three months as part of a wider relief package to help shield citizens from rising energy costs exacerbated by Russia’s war against Ukraine.