Starting on May 1st, 2023, the 49-euro ticket will allow citizens to travel on buses and regional trains throughout Germany. The introduction of this ticket is expected to result in around six million new subscriptions. In North Rhine-Westphalia, however, some people may be able to purchase the ticket for less than the standard price. The implementation of a national social ticket could result in a reduction in the cost of the 49-euro ticket to below €40 per month. If this initiative fails, transport associations, such as Rhein-Ruhr, would be willing to create an offer in the form of a social ticket, valid nationwide instead of just locally.
Those who would benefit from the social ticket are unemployment benefit recipients, social assistance recipients, housing allowance recipients, those eligible for benefits according to SGB VIII, those eligible for benefits under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act, and those eligible for benefits under the Federal Pensions Act. The Greens party and the German Federation of Trade Unions are pushing for a social ticket with a maximum price of €29 in order to make travel more affordable.
While it is unclear whether a discounted ticket for students will be available, it is planned that the previous student ticket would be valid nationwide. Students can also extend their valid NRW subscriptions for an additional fee, enabling everyone to participate in the added value offered by the Deutschlandticket.
Header image: © Cedric Nougrigat/Montage
The social ticket should make the 49-euro ticket cheaper for some people in North Rhine-Westphalia. What about student discounts?
Hamm – From May 1st, 2023 the time has come. With the launch of the 49-euro ticket, citizens can use buses and regional trains nationwide. The transport associations expect around six million new subscriptions in Germany. For some people in North Rhine-Westphalia, the so-called Germany ticket should fall well below the previously required 49 euros per month.
NRW wants to make the 49-euro ticket cheaper – who benefits from the social ticket
With the 49-euro ticket across Germany and back. After the great success of the 9-euro ticket last summer, it should be added from May 1st. As many people as possible should have access to the 49-euro ticket – including a possible price reduction. “Mobility must become easier and better for everyone and, above all, remain affordable,” said NRW Transport Minister Oliver Krischer (Greens) at a press conference.
A nationally valid social ticket is to be introduced. According to information from Rheinische Post priced below 40 euros per month in the future. A VRR social ticket currently costs EUR 41.20 for one month, while a subscription costs EUR 36.22 per month. If this project fails, the Rhein-Ruhr transport association in North Rhine-Westphalia would dare to go it alone. “We are ready to offer a social ticket at a lower price than now, which would then be valid nationwide instead of just locally,” said VRR board member José Luis Castrillo from the Rheinische Post quoted.
49-euro ticket in NRW cheaper for some: What about schoolchildren and students?
The following groups of people in NRW would benefit from the social ticket and could then travel cheaply throughout Germany:
- Recipients of unemployment benefit II and social benefit (SGB II)
- Recipients of social assistance (SGB XII)
- housing allowance recipients
- Eligible for benefits according to SGB VIII
- Eligible for benefits under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act
- Eligible for benefits under the Federal Pensions Act
Both the Greens and the German Federation of Trade Unions are demanding a social ticket for a maximum of 29 euros. In Hesse, a discounted ticket for people who receive citizenship benefit, social benefit or housing benefit has already been decided. From August 2023, the 49-euro ticket will be available for purchase there for just 31 euros.
What does the introduction of the 49-euro ticket, available for purchase from April 3, 2023, mean for pupils and students? For the former, it is planned that the previous student ticket should also be valid nationwide. However, it is not expected to start in the coming summer due to complicated discussions. Students, on the other hand, can extend their valid NRW subscriptions at an additional cost. “We want all students to be able to participate in the added value of the Deutschlandticket,” said NRW Transport Minister Kirscher.
Header image: © Cedric Nougrigat/Montage
In conclusion, the introduction of the 49-euro ticket in May 2023 is expected to revolutionize travel in Germany. The social ticket will make it even more accessible and affordable for certain groups of people in North Rhine-Westphalia. While there are still discussions around student discounts, the government is committed to extending the benefits of the Deutschlandticket to all. It is clear that accessibility and affordability are at the forefront of the government’s transportation policy, and the introduction of the social ticket is a significant step in that direction.