Germany’s Transport Ministers Call for Continuation of National Rail Pass
Saxon Transport Minister Regina Kraushaar (CDU) has advocated for the continuation of the Deutschlandticket, a nationwide rail pass introduced in early 2023. She emphasized the need for the federal government to ensure sustainable financial support for the program.
Kraushaar’s plea aligns with the coalition agreement between the CDU and SPD, which explicitly committed to maintaining the Deutschlandticket. She stressed the importance of providing clarity to municipal authorities, who are reliant on the program’s continuation.
Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder (CSU) also holds the federal government accountable for the ticket’s future.** He emphasized that the nationwide scope of the initiative demands a federal solution. Söder expressed confidence that a Union-led government would find a way to secure the program’s long-term sustainability.
Earlier in the week, Bavarian Transport Minister Christian Bernreiter (CSU) had called for a shift in financing arrangements.** He acknowledged that securing the ticket’s funding for 2025 was a significant effort, but stressed that the next federal government must determine its long-term future.
However, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) election program makes no mention of the Deutschlandticket. When questioned about its future beyond 2025, CDU Chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz admitted that it was a challenging issue that would require consideration in the context of future budget planning.
Christian Haase, the CDU’s budget expert, recently stated that financing the Deutschlandticket beyond 2025 was not feasible.
Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing (non-partisan) has cautioned against ending the program.** He highlighted the positive impacts it has had on public transportation modernization, digitalization, and the financial relief it provides to working families.
Stakeholders’ Perspectives on the Deutschlandticket
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Regina Kraushaar (CDU, Saxon Transport Minister):
- Supports continued operation of the Deutschlandticket.
- Advocates for ongoing federal financial contribution of at least 50%.
- Emphasizes the need for reliable financing commitments from the federal government.
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Markus Söder (CSU, Bavarian Minister-President):
- Views federal government as ultimately responsible for the ticket’s continuation.
- Expresses confidence that a Union-led government will find a solution.
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Christian Bernreiter (CSU, Bavarian Transport Minister):
- Calls for a financing strategy that ensures the ticket’s sustainability beyond 2025.
- Emphasizes the need for a commitment from the next federal government.
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Friedrich Merz (CDU, Chancellor candidate):
- Acknowledges the challenges in securing funding for the ticket beyond 2025.
- Indicates that a decision will be made in light of future budget planning.
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Christian Haase (CDU, Budget expert):
- Expresses doubt about the feasibility of financing the ticket beyond 2025.
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Volker Wissing (Non-partisan, Federal Transport Minister):
- Warns against discontinuing the Deutschlandticket due to its positive impact on public transportation and cost savings for commuters.
Conclusion
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the Deutschlandticket’s long-term funding, transport ministers from different states and political parties agree on the importance of ensuring its continuation. The federal government is expected to play a crucial role in finding a sustainable solution that will allow the program to continue beyond its initial implementation period.
