Last summer (June-August), Germany launched a 9-euro ticket (approximately NT$280) offering unlimited travel on all regional trains, subways, trams, and buses for just 9 euros a month. Following a well-received trial, the 49-euro (approximately NT$1,660) monthly pass officially launched on the 1st. This not only saves money but also encourages the use of public transportation and reduces carbon emissions. The program proved so popular that approximately 750,000 tickets had already been sold in the week before its official launch.
Germany continues to offer a €49 monthly pass: a win-win for citizens and carbon reduction
What can you do with 49 euros? In Germany, a one-way ticket from Hamburg to Berlin might cost over 40 euros, while a monthly subway pass for Berlin's A and B zones costs 91 euros. While a 49 euro monthly pass is significantly more expensive than a 9 euro ticket, it's still very cheap compared to regular train tickets.
The 9-euro ticket policy has a unique context. Last year, the Russo-Ukrainian war caused energy and fuel prices to soar. The government introduced a three-month, 9-euro monthly transportation ticket to ease summer travel costs and encourage public transportation use. Over the three months, this not only satisfied the public but also reduced carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 1.8 million tons.
However, the €9 monthly pass, supported by a €2.5 billion government subsidy, proved unsustainable. Following a review, the €49 monthly pass took effect on the 1st of this month. It covers regional and short-distance travel throughout Germany, including second-class RE/RB trains, subways, trams, and buses. It does not cover express trains (EC, IC, ICE) or private long-distance buses.
German media outlet CLEW reported that Chancellor Olaf Scholz praised the policy's long-term impact, saying its full benefits might not be fully realized until five or ten years from now. However, according to the Süddeutsche Zeitung, local governments are already concerned about funding shortages and may raise monthly ticket prices starting next year (2024).
Public transportation infrastructure in rural areas is insufficient; environmental groups are promoting improvements.
German environmental groups are positive about the €49 monthly ticket policy. However, based on the experience of the €9 ticket, cheap travel tickets alone are not enough to attract the public to public transportation. In rural areas lacking convenient public transportation systems, driving remains the preferred option.
The German Nature Conservation Union (NABU) pointed out that the 49 euro monthly pass cannot fully realize its potential. Jürgen Resch, director of the German Environmental Aid Organization (DUH), called on the government to improve transportation infrastructure, especially in rural areas, and to extend rail and public bus networks to non-urban areas.
The Clean Energy News Agency reported on a poll released in February by the German Academy of Science and Engineering (Acatech), which found that private cars remain the most popular mode of transportation in Germany, with 47% of people driving almost every day and only 23% of drivers willing to consider switching to public transportation.
Although most residents in rural areas and eastern Germany do not believe that public transportation can replace private cars, as many as two-thirds of the respondents are optimistic about the 49 euro monthly ticket policy.
Source: Environmental Information Center (https://e-info.org.tw/node/236657)
