Germany gives green light to Euro49 a month season ticket

Those pesky Germans, always innovating, in this case looking to introduce a monthly ticket for local public transport, for 49 euros per month, looking to capitalise on the success of the 9 euros per month ticket that was offered last summer.

That scheme cost the government 2.5 billion euros, and this is expected to cost around 3 billion euros, so there's an opportunity cost, but is it good economics? Will it significantly reduce the negative externalities associated with other forms of transport? Will it reduce income inequality? What are the cost implications - in increasing the number of travellers will running costs increase?

There are lots of things to consider but on the face of it, it seems both popular and a good idea. If only we had a reliable public transport system where we could offer the same.

Please read: Germany gives green light to €49-a-month public transport ticket