Finance Minister Lindner has already rejected further financing of the 9-euro ticket. However, the voices for the continuation of cheap public transport are increasing. SPD boss Esken now expects very specific steps from the Ministry of Transport.
SPD leader Saskia Esken is pushing for a follow-up offer to the 9-euro ticket. "We should now evaluate the experiences with the 9-euro ticket and develop a concept for an attractive, simple and affordable public transport," she told the Funke media group. Esken calls on Transport Minister Volker Wissing and his ministry to quickly enter into discussions with the traffic light groups and the federal states and to submit a suitable proposal for the further development of the 9-euro ticket.
Federal Minister of Finance Christian Lindner had previously strictly rejected further financing of the 9-euro ticket or a follow-up offer. "The 9-euro ticket is a temporary measure, just like the fuel discount. That's why the federal budget does not provide for a continuation of the fuel discount or funds for a follow-up regulation for the 9-euro ticket," said the FDP chairman to the Funke newspapers .
With the 9-euro ticket, taxpayers financed a non-cost-covering offer in local public transport, criticized Lindner. “Even those who cannot use the offer even in rural areas pay with it.” The concept doesn't convince him. "In any case, the federal government could not pay for it, since the debt brake must be complied with again in 2023."
Esken contradicts this: "The 9-euro ticket is a complete success and has shown how great the need is for simple and inexpensive offers in local public transport." At the same time, it has become clear that there are still no bus and train connections in many places.
The Association of Towns and Municipalities also criticizes Lindner's negative attitude towards continuing the cheap local transport ticket. "Of course, the federal funds are also limited, but on the other hand the coalition has committed itself to climate protection and the turnaround in traffic. These words must now be followed by deeds. Investments in buses and trains are an investment in the future," said Managing Director Gerd Landsberg. "The traffic turnaround requires a simple and inexpensive ticket that is valid everywhere, for example at the price of 365 euros per year."
The party leader of the left, Janine Wissler, also demands this. To finance the 365-euro ticket, Wissler proposes the abolition of tax concessions for company cars. "It would be fatal if the 9-euro ticket expired without replacement at the end of August," Wissler told the editorial network Germany (RND) and warned of a "return to the tariff jungle of high ticket prices".
