Deutschlandticket in danger from 2026, German cities warn

The future of the popular Deutschlandticket remains in danger, the German Association of Cities has warned. The pass for public transport is facing a huge gap in its funding for 2026. 

Funding not secured for Deutschlandticket in 2026

The German Association of Cities - the umbrella organisation representing the biggest cities in Germany - has warned that the future of the Deutschlandticket looks to be in jeopardy, with funding for 2026 not yet secured. 

“If the federal government’s regionalisation law, and thus the funding of the Deutschlandticket, remains as it is, we’ll face weeks and months of uncertainty again,” CEO Christian Schuchardt told the Funke Media Group.

The Deutschlandticket may be repeatedly touted as a “success story” for Germany, but its financing has remained a bone of contention practically since it was first introduced in May 2023. The future of the ticket has repeatedly been thrown into doubt due to bickering between the federal government and the federal states over who should foot the bill. 

Federal government and federal states unwilling to put up extra cash

This year, the federal and state governments have each contributed 1,5 billion euros to offset the revenue losses experienced by public transport associations. They are expected to do so again - something the federal cabinet is looking to approve on Wednesday - but according to Schuchardt, it’s still not enough money. 

“The 1,5 billion euros that the federal and state governments have each contributed annually, together with ticket revenues, do not cover the costs incurred by the transport providers,” Schuchardt said. He added that the total amount needed was somewhere closer to 3,6 billion euros per year. 

However, neither the federal government nor the federal states seem to be willing to take on the additional expenditure. Indeed, it has not been included in the draft budget for 2026. “This means the ticket is in no way guaranteed for 2026,” Schuchardt concluded.