Schwerin (dpa/mv) - In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania there will be no additional discount offer for buses and trains for the foreseeable future in addition to the nationwide 49-euro ticket. The Greens' proposal for a 29-euro ticket, which is valid for local public transport throughout the state, did not find a majority in the state parliament in Schwerin on Friday. Transport Minister Reinhard Meyer (SPD) emphasized in the debate that the country currently lacks the money for this.
The funds available should initially be used to improve local transport services. "We have to set priorities: first expand the offer, especially in rural areas, and then we can talk about what we can still discount with our financial possibilities," said Meyer. He pointed out that there is already a trainee ticket for apprentices for 365 euros per year, which is now to be extended to senior citizens and students.
When presenting her application, Jutta Wegner welcomed the agreement reached by the federal and state governments to introduce the Germany ticket in the coming year. But the 49 euros per month required for this in the north-east are too much for many people in view of the low wage level. In addition, they are often only on the road in the country.
An additional 29-euro ticket, like in Berlin, would increase the use of public transport, Wegner was sure. This means that car traffic and thus CO2 emissions can be noticeably reduced. "This would finally give the urgently needed turnaround in mobility momentum," emphasized Wegner.
