Lower Saxony: Trainee ticket threatens to become more expensive - only 46 euros instead of 29!

Lower Saxony: Trainee ticket threatens to become more expensive - only 46 euros instead of 29!

Mobility for trainees in Lower Saxony is currently in jeopardy. Transport Minister Grant Hendrik Tonne has indicated that a reduced form of a discounted trainee ticket will be put to the test. Instead of the originally pushed 29 euro ticket, a variant for around 46 euros per month is now being discussed. This reports n-tv.

What is certain is that this ticket should only be valid for trainees and those doing voluntary service, but not for students. The idea behind this step is to strengthen mobility offers for the young generation in Lower Saxony. A financial state subsidy of 20 percent on the regular price of the Germany ticket makes it possible to reduce this amount to just under 46 euros. Employers also have the option to further reduce these costs.

Lower Saxony in comparison with other federal states

In other federal states the offer looks completely different. From September 1st, students in Hamburg will even receive a free Germany ticket. Meanwhile, Lower Saxony's trainees and students still have to wait for a comprehensive, discounted offer, such as ndr.de reported. Transport Minister Olaf Lies (SPD) had originally named summer 2024 as the target date for the expected ticket, but due to the strained budget situation, the introduction in 2025 is also classified as uncertain.

In the 2022 coalition agreement, a nationwide ticket for 29 euros was sought, but this is hanging in the air due to financial hurdles. The state student council continues to push for the introduction of the 29 euro ticket, while Lower Saxony is working in parallel with the well-known regional student and trainee tickets of a maximum of 30 euros per month.

Economic aspects and challenges

The introduction of the planned Albuli ticket also brings with it financial challenges. The annual costs for implementation are estimated at around 14 million euros, based on usage by 50 to 60 percent of those entitled. The district newspaper highlights that 31 of 39 local transport authorities currently receive around 11 million euros in financial aid annually to promote mobility in rural areas.

The fate of the benefits is therefore - in addition to the technical and contractual implementation - also on the state government's negotiating table. It remains to be hoped that the political decision-makers have a good hand and a solution can be found that is in the interests of Lower Saxony's future employees.