The 9-Euro Ticket

The 9-euro ticket allowed travelers in Germany to utilize public transport for the months of June, July, and August for only 9 euros. Part of the intent of offering a cost-friendly travel ticket was to offset the negative impacts of increasing fuel and living costs in the country.

Overall, the implementation of the 9 euro ticket was a success in terms of sustainability. Specifically, it encouraged people to travel via bus or train, and reduced the number of cars on the road. However, one main drawback was the fact that the Transport Ministry needed to provide an additional 2.5B euros in order to counteract the effects of such low ticket pricing. Further, it was suggested that such a low ticket price would not be a feasible option for the future.

One of the main arguments for the 9 euro ticket, other than the fact that it helps offset increased fuel and living costs, is the sustainability aspect of it. An increase in the number of people taking public transport leads to fewer people in cars, which means fewer CO2 emissions. But, considering the economic impracticality of the low price, I do not think that it should be brought back at the price of 9 euros. In addition to the 2.5B euros, additional funds were needed for hiring more personnel to run public transport and maintain it over the three months, given the new higher demand. But I do think it is important to offer it at some type of discount because that was clearly a good method to encourage people to use public transport rather than their own cars.

If some type of lower-price ticket was brought back, it should be at a calculated price where such extensive compensation funds are not necessary, but some type of discount is still offered in order to incentivize people to use public transport rather than cars. I think my party, the SPD, would also agree with this alternative middle-ground proposal, especially considering that the party is center-left leaning.