The federal and state governments want to share the expenses for the nationwide valid 49-euro standard ticket for local and regional transport for the time being.
This is not a matter of course, according to the Basic Law the federal states are responsible for this.
But the single ticket is a matter close to the heart of the traffic light, so it should share liability for the financial risks.
So both sides are interested not only in celebrating the benefits, but also in keeping an eye on the costs.
Because the convenient flat rate is a highly subsidized planned economy experiment.
It runs counter to the need to strengthen the weak elements of the market and competition in public transport.
Cities that expand their local transport well will soon no longer be able to charge customers a higher price than municipalities that offer little.
A downward leveling of the quality is to be feared.
And even from an environmental point of view, the flat rate is problematic.
Even after the hoped-for switch from cars to buses and trains, mobility has ecological consequences.
Controlling mobility via the fare will be difficult in the future.
The flat rate could turn out to be a mistake.