Overview

• The Bundeskabinett advanced a bill on August 6 to renew federal and state contributions of €1.5 billion each for the Deutschlandticket in 2026.
• Transport associations calculate the scheme’s annual cost at €3.6 billion, leaving at least €600 million uncovered under the current funding model.
• Germany’s 2026 draft budget contains no allocation for additional Deutschlandticket support beyond the renewed €3 billion, exposing future financing to uncertainty.
• Officials warn that without extra subsidies, the ticket may face another price hike before the coalition’s planned stability period through 2028.
• Christian Schuchardt and industry representatives have urged lawmakers to establish a permanent financing framework to avoid “weeks and months of uncertainty.”