According to the ADAC, cost pressure alone is not enough to persuade people to switch from cars to buses and trains. The automobile association calls for improvements in connections, cycles and reliability in public transport.
The ADAC sees the end of the year as proof that prices alone do not lead to a change in traffic behavior. Although fuel was more expensive than ever, motorized private transport has increased by almost five percent compared to the previous year, said Transport President Gerhard Hillebrand. This shows that cost pressure alone is not enough if there are not enough attractive and affordable alternatives.
The association expects that in 2024 almost as many cars will be driven again as before the corona pandemic. Hillebrand called for connections, cycles and reliability to be improved for buses and trains in local and long-distance traffic. The 49-euro ticket is a good measure. "At the same time, investments in public transport must continue," says the lawyer.
Overall, Hillebrand expects average prices of around 1.85 euros for a liter of premium E10 petrol and around 1.95 euros for diesel for the current year. This is 35 or 60 cents above the previous year's figures and is particularly bad for commuters and frequent drivers. Most recently, prices have fallen well below this threshold, but the much higher values in spring and summer are still having an effect on the annual average.
