Germany Starts Selling 49 Euro Ticket
Policy to Promote Public Transportation Use
A ticket allowing unlimited use of local public transportation nationwide in Germany for 49 euros per month (about 72,000 won) has been released. Due to the influx of ticket buyers, the payment website was paralyzed from the first day.
On the 1st (local time), the website of the German Transport Association (VDV) crashed as more than 3 million netizens flocked to it. The website paralysis that occurred at 10 a.m. reportedly continued until 6 p.m.
From that day, a pass ticket was introduced in Germany that allows unlimited use of local public transportation nationwide for 49 euros per month. It appears to be very popular, with millions of citizens flocking to the website on the day of ticket release.
Earlier, the German Federal Council passed a financial support bill for the introduction of the pass ticket on March 31. At that time, Oliver Krischer, chairman of the conference of transport ministers of Germany's 16 states, explained, "This ticket, which will be introduced as a matter of common sense, will improve the distribution of users among transportation modes."
A ticket that allows unlimited use of local public transportation across Germany for 49 euros per month (approximately 72,000 won). [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]
By purchasing this ticket, one can use all local trains throughout Germany, as well as buses, subways, and commuter trains. Ticket purchases are made through smartphone applications (apps), among other methods. However, it is reported that transfer to others is not allowed.
The ticket is a successor model to the "9-euro ticket" (about 13,000 won) issued by the German government from June to August last year. The 9-euro ticket allowed unlimited use of public transportation operated within the state by paying only 9 euros per month.
Originally introduced as a measure to reduce the demand for fossil fuels that surged after Russia's invasion of Ukraine and to ease the burden of living costs for citizens, it was successfully concluded with great public response at the time. During the ticket issuance period, the use of public transportation in Germany increased by about 25%.
The successor 49-euro ticket is introduced to reduce private car usage and promote environmentally friendly public transportation use.
In this regard, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz explained the purpose of the system introduction through his official Twitter account, saying, "I hope you can enjoy traveling with the Deutschland ticket from today," and "Thank you for the great interest. This is an easy and affordable offer that makes local transportation attractive and helps us achieve our climate goals."
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