ÖPNV: Deutschlandticket sorgt für mehr Fahrgäste im Nahverkehr
In Bussen und Bahnen waren im ersten Halbjahr mehr Fahrgäste unterwegs. Das hat auch mit dem Deutschlandticket zu tun, dessen Preis viele wegen der Rekordspritpreise gerne noch drücken würden.
Since the introduction of the Deutschlandticket three years ago, passenger numbers on bus and train lines have continued to rise, albeit only slightly. In the first half of 2026, there were approximately 5.7 billion passengers using public transport in Germany, marking a two percent increase compared to the previous year, according to the Federal Statistical Office.
The Deutschlandticket, priced at 63 euros per month, allows nationwide trips on regional and local transport. In contrast, air travel saw a two percent decrease in passengers during the same period, totaling 75 million. Train travel on long-distance routes experienced a three percent drop in passengers, with 69 million utilizing the service in the first half of 2026, compared to one percent fewer a year earlier.
The National Statistical Office attributes this decline in long-distance train travel to weather-related disruptions in railway operations during the first quarter. Bus travel remains popular as an economical alternative to trains, with around 5.4 million passengers opting for bus services between January and June 2026, a ten percent increase compared to the first half of 2025.
The high cost of fuel has led to recent demands for a more affordable Deutschlandticket, prompting discussions about potential government measures such as a reduced fuel rebate and a cap on fuel prices.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
