German states plan new fare system for occasional public transport users
German states are planning a new nationwide public transport fare system aimed at occasional users, in a move to make public transportation more accessible and affordable. This development comes ahead of a meeting of transport ministers set to take place this week, where the proposal will be discussed.
The initiative, which is reportedly being championed by North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) and Hamburg, seeks to introduce a so-called 'In/Out' tariff. This scheme will allow passengers to check in at the start of their journey using their smartphones and check out as they leave, ensuring the most cost-effective fare for each trip. The new proposal is designed to cater to those who do not use public transport regularly, providing them with fair and uncomplicated rates akin to those enjoyed by holders of Germany's nationwide transport pass, the Deutschlandticket.
North Rhine-Westphalia has already implemented a pilot version of this system, known as 'eezy.nrw'. The state's Transport Minister, Oliver Krischer, explained that the digital tariff always calculates the cheapest price per route. He also mentioned that there is a ceiling on the monthly cost so that it never exceeds the standard Deutschlandticket's price, currently set at 63 euros. However, this fee is expected to rise to 66.80 euros in January.
Krischer emphasized that the goal is to ensure that even occasional public transport users benefit from straightforward and fair pricing. He stated, "Everyone should have the ability to travel on public transport with ease and at a fair price, regardless of how frequently they use the services."
At the forthcoming conference, transport ministers will also address financial concerns impacting public transportation. Topics on the agenda include the pressure on transport companies caused by railway infrastructure fees and the potential increase of regionalization funds. These funds are annually allocated by the federal government to assist states in financing local rail passenger transport.
While the new pricing model aims to extend the benefits of the Deutschlandticket to less frequent travelers, the current Deutschlandticket remains a popular choice for regular commuters. It offers unlimited travel on local and regional public transport networks across Germany for a fixed monthly price.
The current conference, scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday in Schwangau, Bavaria, may set the stage for a significant shift in how public transportation fares are structured in Germany. It reflects the efforts of state governments to expand the accessibility and affordability of public transport systems for a broader demographic of users.
Reforming public transportation pricing is a critical consideration as cities and states seek to reduce vehicular traffic, cut emissions, and make greener travel options more attainable for the public. The introduction of a flexible and cost-effective fare system could serve to meet these objectives by attracting more people to use public transportation, even if only intermittently.
Source: spiegel.de