Third of subscribers to Germany’s flat-rate public transport ticket use own car less often – survey

Around a third of subscribers to Germany's flat-rate public transport ticket (Deutschlandticket) said that they leave their car home more often since purchasing the subscription, according to a YouGov survey commissioned by news agency dpa. Most ticket holders have changed their mobility behaviour as a result of the offer, with 33 percent travelling more than before. Almost one in 10 owners said they walk less often or cycle less, while some 37 percent said they had not changed their mobility behaviour. Multiple answers were possible. Introduced in May, the Deutschlandticket allows users to use local and regional buses and trains nationwide for 49 euros per month. It is valid in all regions and with all public transport companies. The ticket can be cancelled on a monthly basis.

Around a quarter of all respondents to the survey said they had booked the subscription for at least one month in the past six months. Almost one in five respondents said they had not yet owned a Deutschlandticket, but could imagine buying one. 57 percent of those who said they have not bought the ticket and do not plan to attributed as the reason the fact that they mainly drive a car. When introducing the ticket, Germany's government hoped the 49-euro price would be attractive enough to make car users switch to public transport, as the country's mobility sector is often branded the “problem child” when it comes to climate protection. Emissions in the sector have remained stubbornly high.