Marcel Fratzscher, president of the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW), criticized the potential increase of the commuter allowance in light of high fuel prices. Speaking to the “Rheinische Post” (Friday edition), he stated that raising the commuter allowance would be an inefficient and costly measure that would likely worsen social inequalities. He emphasized that for most people, rising food costs are a more pressing concern than the price of gasoline. He advised that the federal government should instead prioritize saving energy consumption from fossil fuels and providing relief to those who need it most.
Similarly, the German Environment Agency (DUH) voiced strong criticism regarding these considerations, dismissing a higher commuter allowance as a “tax giveaway for the better-off”. Robin Kulpa, who leads transport and air quality at the DUH, told the “Rheinische Post” that commuters earning beneath the tax-free allowance benefit little from the commuter allowance structure. Instead, Kulpa advocated for an “affordable Germany Ticket at 29 euros for the coming months” and called for the introduction of a speed limit.
Meanwhile, according to a report from the “Bild” newspaper, Federal Chairwoman Friedrich Merz (CDU) has indicated a willingness to noticeably raise the commuter allowance, which currently stands at 38 cents, up to 45 cents per kilometer.