A new investigation reveals that the low-cost “Deutschlandticket” membership for public transportation in Germany significantly benefits the environment. The research, funded by the German government, recorded an annual CO2 savings of 4.2 million to 6.5 million tons due to the ticket, representing a considerable reduction in CO2 emissions for Germany.
According to Nicolas Koch, a researcher at the Ariadne climate project, which conducted the study, “the driving force behind this change are true new customers” — people who seldom used public transport.
These individuals now frequently use public transport with the Deutschland ticket. Koch states that the ticket is an “important stimulus” for the transport transition. It is a travel pass in Germany that allows unlimited travel on local and regional public transport throughout the country. Introduced in 2023, the ticket offers an affordable and convenient way to travel across the country.
The study found that the 12-16% of journeys that shifted from car to rail often involved longer distances of about 30 kilometers. By using rail more frequently, people can avoid vehicle maintenance costs, fuel costs, and road tolls.
The current cost of the Deutschland ticket is €58 ($63.8), up from €49 previously. Ariadne says that a further increase in the ticket price could jeopardize these positive environmental effects.
A separate study by the German Parity Welfare Association showed that people with low incomes often cannot afford the ticket. Katja Kipping, managing director of the association, said, “We need a standardized social ticket that puts an end to this unworthy and unjust lottery of places of residence.”
The Deutschland ticket’s price varies greatly based on regional discounts. For instance, the German states of Hamburg and Hesse offered additional discounts for the Deutschland ticket. In the southern city of Würzburg, the discounted Deutschland ticket costs only €15, whereas in the eastern city of Magdeburg, it costs €53.
The association demands a “Deutschlandticket Sozial” (Social Germany Ticket) costing €25 for low-income people. More people have shifted to rail from cars for affordable traveling, creating a positive impact on the environment in Germany. However, the vast regional differences do not allow people to benefit from the discounted offers equally.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/germany-s-deutschland-ticket-helps-environment-study/a-72128647?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
