The German CDU/CSU faction has made a surprising turn in the debate surrounding the continuation of the popular Deutschlandticket.
Although the party initially opposed the financing of the ticket, it has now indicated its support in the week before Christmas. This decision brings relief to millions of users and seems to provide a solution to the uncertainties surrounding the cheap public transport subscription.
CDU/CSU parliamentary group vice-chairman Ulrich Lange (CSU) made clear on Thursday why the group has revised its position. He stressed that the remaining federal funds for public transport from 2023 are already with the states. “These funds must remain there and be used. This will secure the Deutschlandticket for 2025,” he said. His words mark a clear change of course within the party, which had previously opposed the federal government’s plans.
trust question crucial
Although the agreement on the Deutschlandticket seems to be a step in the right direction, there are still obstacles to overcome. The necessary decisions on the long term will only be taken after the vote of confidence in Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD). This vote, scheduled for 16 December, will determine whether the current government will remain in office or will only fulfil a caretaker role. If Scholz loses the vote of confidence, the government must complete as many ongoing legislative projects as possible in the remaining time, including the final regulation of the Deutschlandticket.
The ticket’s high popularity – with 13 million subscribers – seems to have finally convinced the CDU/CSU. The SPD, with Chancellor Scholz and parliamentary group leader Rolf Mützenich, had previously strongly pushed for support for the ticket. They pointed to the enormous social impact, especially for commuters in urban areas.
The Deutschlandticket was launched in May 2023 and immediately impressed with its simplicity and affordability. The subscription, which currently costs 49 euros per month, allows travelers to use regional public transport throughout Germany without any restrictions, except that long-distance trains such as the ICE and IC are excluded. The ticket can be canceled on a monthly basis, making it a flexible choice for commuters and occasional travelers.
From January 2025, the price will increase to 58 euros per month, a decision that stems from the need to cover the rising costs of public transport. How long this new price will last remains an open question, as the financing is shared by the federal government and the states. There is criticism of the current distribution key, especially in Bavaria. Minister-President Markus Söder (CSU) previously expressed his doubts about the sustainability of the ticket if the federal government is not prepared to cover the full costs.
future perspective
The approval of the Deutschland ticket by the Union does not mean that the political tensions surrounding the project have disappeared. Group chairman Friedrich Merz (CDU) had previously stated that the Union was only prepared to support the Scholz government in exceptional cases. However, the turnaround around the Deutschland ticket points to pragmatic thinking within the party, perhaps prompted by the enormous popularity of the project among voters.
With the planned price increase in sight and increasing pressure on the government budget, it remains uncertain how long the Deutschlandticket can continue in its current form. Nevertheless, the upcoming approval by the CDU/CSU parliamentary party brings hope to millions of travellers who depend on affordable and efficient mobility.
