Regional train travel increases nearly a third since introduction of Germany-wide public transport ticket

Regional train travel has increased by 28 percent since the introduction of the Germany-wide monthly public transport ticket one year ago, according to national railway service DB. Additionally, passengers travel around 20 percent longer distances on average. "The Deutschlandticket is a booster for regional transport," DB regional transport director Evelyn Palla said. "Since the flat rate was launched a year ago, significantly more passengers have been travelling with us."

The 49-euro "Germany-ticket" can be used on any regional public transport service across the country. It is mainly used by commuters, with every second journey being to the office or school, the state-owned company said. However, it also proved popular for leisure weekend trips, with connections between Berlin and the Baltic Sea, as well as from Stuttgart to Lake Constance or from Munich to the Alps increasing in popularity. Railway lobby group Allianz pro Schiene called the ticket "the greatest success of the traffic light coalition to date in terms of transport policy." However, it called on the government to improve bus and rail services in rural areas.

As part of its climate protection goals, Germany aims to significantly increase the number of public transport users, cyclists and pedestrians. 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. Long-term funding for the ticket is still being discussed between the government and the federal states.