Uncertainty looms over Germany's travel pass

The German state of Lower Saxony has expressed its support for finding a long-term financing solution for the Germany Ticket, aligning with the federal minister's intent to work with the states on sustainable funding beyond 2026. However, it is worth noting that the ticket’s price is expected to increase in 2025 due to insufficient additional investment in rail infrastructure funding.

State Transport Minister Grant Hendrik Tonne announced a 1.8-billion-euro future program for investments, which includes 500 million euros for buses and trains, including new vehicles and the apprentice ticket. The federal cabinet has also decided to continue supporting the Germany Ticket with 1.5 billion euros in 2026.

Despite the price increase from 49 to 58 euros per month at the beginning of the year, around one million people in Lower Saxony used the Germany Ticket in the first half of 2024, and there was no wave of cancellations reported during this period.

Industry associations and the Lower Saxony Association of Municipalities (NLT) have voiced concerns about a potential funding gap for the Germany Ticket, with further price increases possible. The NLT is calling for a legally secure perspective for the Germany Ticket in 2026, while also emphasising the need for more operating funds for public transport, not just a nice investment plan.

Joachim Schwind, CEO of NLT, has pointed out that the Germany Ticket is not yet anchored in the Lower Saxony Public Transport Act. Schwind also criticised the current practice of the Germany Ticket's operation, stating that local public transport providers are running the risk. He considers the annual ministerial pledge on letterhead to cover possible losses as not a sustainable way in democracy.

The association of districts sees the investments positively but demands ongoing support for public transport operating funds. State Premier Olaf Lies (SPD), as transport minister, emphasised that the Germany Ticket must be maintained in the long term, aligning with the government's support for finding a sustainable funding solution.

Billions of euros are planned for investments in roads, rails, and harbors, but the specific details or sources of funding for these projects were not mentioned in the paragraph. Further funds are earmarked for roads, bridges, harbors, and housing construction.

In conclusion, while the Germany Ticket's funding for 2026 remains unclear, the Lower Saxony government is committed to finding a long-term financing solution, and the federal cabinet has pledged to continue supporting the ticket with 1.5 billion euros in 2026. However, concerns about a funding gap and potential further price increases persist, with industry associations and the NLT calling for a legally secure perspective and ongoing support for public transport operating funds.