https://www.dw.com/en/germanys-deutschlandticket-helps-environment-study/a-72128647 You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. 1. Skip to content 2. Skip to main menu 3. Skip to more DW sites * Latest videos * Latest audio Regions * Africa * Asia * Europe * Latin America * Middle East * North America * Germany Topics * Climate * Equality * Health * Human Rights * Migration * Technology Categories * Business * Science * Environment * Culture * Sports In focus Middle East crisisTrump tariffsUkraine war Latest audioLatest videos Live TV Advertisement Cars and TransportationGermany Germany's 'Deutschlandticket' helps environment -- study Ramisha Ali with AFP and KNA 04/04/2025April 4, 2025 New research says a discounted public transport subscription in Germany has drastically lowered CO2 emissions in the country. The cost of the subscription is EUR58 a month, but some are saying it should be cheaper. https://p.dw.com/p/4sdxH The Deutschlandticket is considered a massive success, with millions of subscribers to the low-cost public transportation pass Image: Fabian Strauch/picture alliance/dpa Advertisement A low-cost subscription ticket for public transport in Germany, known as the "Deutschlandticket," is greatly beneficial for the environment, according to new research. A study funded by the German government recorded an annual CO2 savings of 4.2 million to 6.5 million tons due to the ticket, which is a huge reduction in CO2 emissions for Germany. According to Nicolas Koch, a researcher at the Ariadne climate project which conducted the study, "the driving force behind this change is true new customers" -- people who rarely traveled by public transport. These people now frequently use public transport with the Deutschlandticket. Why rail over road? Koch said the Deutschlandticket is an "important stimulus" for the transport transition in Germany. The Deutschlandticket can be used on regional trains but not on high-speed ICE trains Image: Micha Korb/pressefoto_korb/picture alliance The Deutschlandticket allows unlimited travel on local and regional public transport throughout Germany. It was introduced in 2023 to offer an affordable and a convenient way to travel across the country. The study found that the 12-16% of journeys that shifted from car to rail often involved longer distances of about 30 kilometers (almost 19 miles). People could avoid vehicle maintenance costs, fuel costs, and road tolls by using rail more often, the study said The current cost of the Deutschlandticket is EUR58 ($63.8), up from EUR49 previously. Ariadne says that "a further increase in the ticket price could jeopardize these positive environmental effects." Is the Deutschlandticket affordable for all? A separate study conducted by the German Parity Welfare Association showed that "people with low incomes often cannot afford the ticket." "We need a standardized social ticket that puts an end to this unworthy and unjust lottery of places of residence," said Katja Kipping, managing director of the association. The Deutschlandticket's price greatly varies based on regional discounts. For instance, the German states of Hamburg, Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia offered additional discounts for the Deutschlandticket. In the southern city Wurzburg, for example, the discounted Deutschlandticket costs only EUR15, whereas in the eastern city of Magdeburg it costs EUR53. According to the association, 243 out of 497 districts and municipalities offer no additional discounts, which makes the Deutschland ticket hard to afford for low-income people. A reduced price for the ticket should be available for all in Germany, the association contends. The association has demanded for a "Deutschlandticket Sozial" (Social Germany Ticket) that costs EUR25 for low-income people. Edited by: Wesley Dockery Ramisha Ali Multimedia journalist reporting on stories from around the world. Send us your feedback Your feedback Advertisement Skip next section Related topics Related topics Deutsche Bahn About DW * Who we are * Press * DW Global Media Forum DW offers * Learn German * DW Akademie Service * Newsletters * Reception * FAQ * Contact * Topics from A to Z * Headlines B2B * Sales & Distribution * Travel * Advertising * German News Service Follow us on (c) 2025 Deutsche WellePrivacy PolicyLegal noticeDigital accessibility Data privacy settings