Zoom Image
S-Bahn runs over a bridge near Cologne (symbolic image from 18 May)
Photo: Christoph Hardt / Panama Pictures / IMAGO
One month after the launch of the Deutschlandticket, around ten million people have subscribed to it. The Association of German Transport Companies (VDV) published new figures on Wednesday. According to the report, around five million of these customers are so-called switchers who switched from their existing subscriptions to the 49-euro ticket. 4.3 million passengers have previously used single tickets or monthly tickets without a subscription. 700,000 people could be won over for public transport through the offer.
The Deutschlandticket has been available since the beginning of May. At a price of 49 euros per month, it entitles you to nationwide journeys on public transport. This requires the conclusion of a subscription.
VDV President Ingo Wortmann assumes that sales figures will continue to rise due to the tariff changes. The number of those who switch from existing subscriptions to the Deutschlandticket will increase significantly in the coming weeks, he said on Wednesday. He described the number of around 700,000 new guests, who previously did not usually use local transport, as a "good first result".
Against this background, however, Wortmann also called for the expansion of local transport services. "The expansion and modernisation of the overall public transport system must remain at the top of the political agenda. In addition to the Deutschlandticket, we also need the Germany offer in public transport," said the association president.
The VDV will talk to the federal and state governments about nationwide improvements in the offer, he announced. For many people who do not have an adequate bus and train service locally, the Deutschlandticket is not enough to be able to switch permanently to local transport.
ani/AFP