From June to August 2022, the German government offered an unprecedented fare: The 9-EURO TICKET allowed anyone to travel anywhere in the country for a monthly fee of just 9 euros. This was incredibly low, especially for the nationwide option. Given that the German PT is fragmented into more than 100 associations, the federal intervention was seen as nothing less than a ‘revolution’._x000D_
To investigate the impact on low-income earners, we conducted an in-depth survey of 30 poor PT users in Hamburg and the surrounding area. Interestingly, their adapted behaviour did not differ much from that of the general population: They made the same trips as before, just more often. Some travelled to new destinations, but mostly within the greater Hamburg area. The main difference was the low fare. All interviewees pointed out the relief that the 9-Euro Ticket gave them, both financially and mentally. These findings are in line with previous studies on the mobility of marginalised groups: In Europe’s largest economy, there are significant numbers of people who have to choose between buying a meal or a metro ticket on a daily basis._x000D_
After extensive public debate, the government decided to introduce the DEUTSCHLANDTICKET, which will be launched in May. The Deutschlandticket will cost 49 euros a month and won’t include social discounts. Some regions will subsidise the fare for people on low incomes. For many people in other regions, however, the Deutschlandticket will be too expensive. _x000D_
Based on the above interviews and GIS-based fare analyses, we look forward to presenting a state of affairs in ‘Revolutionary Germany’ – regarding the positive temporary effects of the 9-Euro Ticket, the promise of the Deutschlandticket and the implications for those who have to choose between a meal or a metro ticket.

Havemann, Franziska; Porsche, Laura; Weissinger, Julian; Aberle, Christoph;
Hamburg University of Technology / Institute for Transport Planning and Logistics

 
ID Abstract: 274