Transportation: a 9-euro subscription in Germany amid the high cost of living

In Germany, the federal government took an unprecedented step by opening access to public transport for 9 euros, in addition to the fuel discount.

Among all European countries, the same question arises among leaders. How to curb inflation or how to respond once it affects all citizens? France managed to limit the damage with +5.2% in May 2022. However, Germany still shows a more modest figure with a rate of 7.9% last month.

Fuel aid: the dilemma that isn’t enough

In all consumer prices used to calculate inflation, fuel remains one of the most crisis-stricken expenditure sectors, whether in France or Germany. With the barrel of oil soaring from 65 euros in December 2021 to around 112 euros today, pump prices have skyrocketed.

The average price per liter of diesel or unleaded 95 hovers around 2 euros, leaving a gaping hole in French motorists’ wallets. Some have questioned the choice to switch to E85, a biofuel costing 0.80 €/l and less polluting. Moreover, the number of conversion kits has exploded since the start of the year.

More radically, the government of ex-prime minister Jean Castex responded with a reduction in fuel prices for everyone. They applied a discount of 15 cents/liter starting April 1, 2022, lasting four months. A measure well received, but questionable in an era where our elected officials promote environmentally correct actions.

The reduction in fuel prices also contradicts the ecological bonus and other aids favoring electric vehicles and low emissions. Curiously, this government has not activated other levers to facilitate the mobility of its citizens. Nor has the new government now led by Elisabeth Borne, despite her being a former director of RATP and transportation minister.

9 euros for all public trains, buses, and metro!

In Germany, with a more significant inflation rate, the step has been taken. In addition to a tax discount on fuel – 14 cents on diesel and 30 cents on gasoline – the federal government is also thinking about transportation. Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s team launched a monthly subscription at 9 euros. It provides unlimited use of regional trains, as well as urban public networks (buses, metro, tramway, etc). The funding amounts to 2.5 billion euros across the Rhine.

As Franceinfo recalls, the monthly subscription to travel on public transport in Berlin costs 86 euros, nearly ten times more! So it’s no surprise that this initiative is a success. Already, 7 million tickets have been sold on the launch day, June 1.

The VDV (Federation of Public Transport Companies) estimates that 30 million tickets will be sold in total this summer. However, the operation will only last 3 months, until August 31.

Could the French government adopt a similar measure? What do you think?

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