Overview

• State transport ministers meeting in Munich unanimously approved the price rise and set a rule-based index from 2027 that factors in wage and energy costs.
• The federal government confirmed a €1.5 billion annual contribution through 2030, with states co-financing, but no additional funds now prompted the fare hike.
• The Bürgergeld allocation for transport is €50.49 for single recipients in 2026, which falls short of the €63 fare as benefit rates remain frozen after a federal ‘Nullrunde’.
• Social groups and politicians criticized the increase for undermining affordability and climate goals, and analyses show only a few states and 28 municipalities offer discounted tickets.
• The Berlin-Brandenburg network will raise local fares by about 6% at the turn of the year, lifting the Berlin AB single ticket to €4 as operators cite higher operating costs.