The Germany-wide 49-euro monthly ticket is not yet available, but it is already bringing momentum to the tariff process.
Some transport associations justify their sometimes hefty increases in ticket prices - almost 9 percent at the top - not only with the increase in energy and personnel costs, but also with the planned flat rate.
It is scheduled to start in April and entails high financial risks for bus and train operators.
From an economic point of view, it makes sense to build up a buffer through higher fares in the remaining months.
This is annoying for users of local and regional public transport, but prepares them for the fact that the "Deutschlandticket" does not fall from the sky.
Its cost must be earned on earth.
The already high subsidies for public transport will only increase if taxpayers deliver more diligently.
The federal government is also planning its billions for many other tasks.
It is therefore foreseeable that the users of the flat rate will soon also be asked to pay dynamically.
Mobile for 49 euros?
It can't stay that cheap for long.