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Berlin’s 29-Euro-Ticket: Approval and Criticism

From October 1st, 2022, the 29 Euro Ticket will be accepted in Berlin’s public transport zones A and B. Most Berliners welcome the measure, even though it does not help everyone.

Berlin, September 24th, 2022 (The Berlin Spectator) — In a week from now, the 29 Euro Ticket will be accepted on Berlin’s buses, trams, BVG ferries, ‘U-Bahn’ and ‘S-Bahn’ trains. It is supposed to be a successor for the 9 Euro Ticket and an interim solution that applies until the federal government offers another solution. According to a poll conducted by Infratest Dimap for the RBB radio and TV network and the ‘Berliner Morgenpost’ daily, 77 percent of all Berliners endorse the 29 Euro Ticket (29 Euro equal 28.11 U.S. Dollars or 25.88 Pounds right now).

Commuters and Cyclists

But there is criticism too. At the Berlin House of Representatives, several members slammed Governing Mayor Franziska Giffey and the Senate for offering this ticket. For the conservative CDU, its floor leader Kai Wegner said the ticket had no benefits for commuters, cyclists and motorists. According to him, Berliners who work in neighboring Brandenburg got nothing.

In Berlin, a big majority welcomes the 29 Euro Ticket. Photo: Imanuel Marcus

Wegner also said the 29 Euro Ticket could make commuters from Brandenburg drive to the outskirts of Berlin and cause a mess by parking everywhere in order to use the cheap offer within Berlin. Obviously, Wegner was not the only opposition member to criticize the Senate for this measure. But disapproval was also voiced by House members whose parties are part of Berlin’s state government. Mrs. Giffey heads a coalition that involves her center-left Social Democrats (SPD), the left-wing Greens and the far-left ‘Die Linke’ (‘The Left’).

Clear Signal

For the latter party, Kristian Ronneburg said the fact that holders of Berlin’s Social Ticket paid only 1.50 Euro less was inappropriate. He was referring to the monthly ticket for Berlin’s social welfare recipients. They pay 27.50 Euro (26.65 Dollars or 24.55 Pounds) per month. Ronneburg demanded a price decrease for the social ticket.

Franziska Giffey defended the 29 Euro Ticket. She stated it was only part of a relief package for Berlin which included a protection mechanism for tenants and those who could not afford to pay their high electricity bills. Bettina Jarasch, Berlin’s Mobility and Environment Senator, said the Ticket had “set a clear signal for affordable mobility”. It was a relief for the Berliners.

Subscription Required

As opposed to the 9 Euro Ticket, which was available from June to August and was valid in all of Germany’s public transport as well as on regional trains in the entire country, the 29 Euro Ticket is for Berlin’s public transport zones A and B only, from October 1st to December 31st, 2022. And it is a subscription. Individuals who want to purchase it for October need to pay for it until the end of the year, meaning it cannot just be cancelled at any moment. The federal government has announced a 49 or 69 Euro Ticket for next year. The details have not been communicated.

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