The 9 Euro Ticket: Reworking the World of Public Transportation

During the summer of 2022, the German government introduced a program aimed at inciting the use of public transportation and minimizing personal vehicle use. Part of the “9 for 90” Energy Cost Relief Package, program would enable consumers to pay 9 Euros for a 1-month railway transit pass valid for the months of June, July, or August of 2022. This plan was a 2.5 billion Euro public transport subsidization, but it proved to be immensely successful in terms of sales, with over 38 million passes purchased.

In regard to the impacts, many critics argued that the program would lead to overpopulation of commuters in the railway system. Moreover, they further argued that the effects would likely be temporary and primarily apparent in larger cities with greater railway infrastructure. While these concerns proved to be true at times, the benefits could be argued as more significant. At the 9 Euro price point, public transport was accessible to many from a diverse array of socioeconomic statuses, creating more equitable public transport scheme. Moreover, the price point was roughly equivalent to a one-use ticket, meaning consumers could significantly benefit from the purchase, even if they just used public transport twice within the month.

While the program has ceased, I would argue that there were substantial benefits to be drawn from a more accessible public transportation system. For those that could not afford or did not own a car, an option that was affordable and convenient was still available, strengthening the supply of labor by increasing commuting capability. Moreover, the ability to travel on trains allowed for those who may have been just outside of major city to travel to the city centers, potentially inciting greater economic activity. All in all, I do believe that this program is one worth reintroducing, and that is just what the German government has done.

In December of last year, Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced the new Deutschland Ticket, a longer-term replacement for the 9 Euro Ticket that had a price tag of 49 Euros, a roughly 400% price increase. While this price point is higher, it still likely offers substantial benefits to consumers who aim to use the program, while simultaneously discouraging the issues of overcrowding. That said, the combatting of overcrowding likely comes at the expense of those who have the lowest income as they are priced out of the market, which draws away from one of the apparent benefits. Against this program, I would instead argue for a tiered system in which an affordable, baseline ticket can cover a specified amount of travel per day and a higher priced ticket offers more expansive use, as this model may allow for the existence of affordability while also offering a resolution to personal vehicle use.

Speaking from my additional perspective as a member of the class’s Alliance 90/Green Party, I again find myself immensely in favor of the program, given the potential for a reduction on the negative externality that is pollution caused by nonrenewable, unsustainable fuel consumption.

All in all, I believe that the 9 Euro Ticket begins to show the promise for a new era in which the use of public transportation is embraced and renowned for accessibility, convenience, and affordability.