WORLD
Millions snap up new Germany-wide public transit ticket
German public transit operators say more than 3 million people have bought a new ticket unveiled Monday that lets them use all local and regional trains, buses, and metros for 49 euros ($53.90) a month.
The new Germany Ticket encourages car-free travel. It follows last year’s successful 9-euro “all you can ride” ticket, which officials said was unprofitable.
The new ticket revolutionized Germany’s fragmented public transit system, where dozens of regional businesses offered confusing fare alternatives.
The Germany Ticket will cover most public travel except long-distance intercity trains. Regional trains will allow cross-country travel, saving commuters hundreds of euros a month.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz called the ticket “an easy and cheap offer that will make public transit more attractive and help us achieve our climate goals.”
Anti-poverty campaigners want the already-subsidized tickets to be even cheaper for families, young people, and low-income individuals, who still find it pricey.