In a move to revitalize the debate over the future of the Germany ticket, the leader of the Left Party, Jan van Aken, is calling for the reintroduction of the 9-euro ticket.
According to van Aken, the current negotiations surrounding the Germany ticket’s future are neglecting the core issue, as the ticket is already too expensive for many people. He emphasizes the need for a 9-euro ticket, citing the example of the summer of 2022, when the 9-euro ticket was available to all, leading to a surge in public transportation usage.
To make the ticket a permanent 9 euros, an additional eight billion euros per year would be required, a figure van Aken believes could be covered by eliminating the privilege of company cars, which costs the state more than six billion euros annually.
The Left Party leader stresses the importance of keeping public transportation costs as low as possible, so that it remains an accessible option for everyone. He criticizes the government for not taking responsibility in this matter, pointing out that the federal budget has the means to make the ticket affordable for all.