'Unlimited Public Transport for 12,000 KRW per Month for 3 Months'... Germany Reduces Citizens' Living Cost Burden

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunseok Yoo] According to foreign media reports on the 20th (local time), the German government plans to allow unlimited use of all local public transportation, including buses and trains, for just 9 euros (about 12,000 won) per month for three months starting next month.

The price of the 'unlimited transportation pass' is set very low. According to the German railway website, the cheapest monthly subway pass in central Berlin, the capital of Germany, originally costs more than 63 euros (about 85,000 won).

The German government introduced this policy to reduce the living expenses burden on citizens amid soaring prices due to energy price surges and inflation, and to promote the use of public transportation.

The government will invest 2.5 billion euros (about 3.4 trillion won). Subsidies will be provided to railway and transportation companies whose revenues decrease due to the introduction of the pass. Additionally, citizens who have already purchased season passes will be refunded the difference.

However, some voices point out the policy's effectiveness, noting that the number of passengers on trains and buses has already exceeded capacity and is saturated. There are also concerns that after the unlimited use period ends, ticket prices may rise more than expected, reducing the attractiveness of public transportation.

Volker Wissing, German Minister of Transport, said, "This is a huge opportunity in terms of climate-friendly policy," and emphasized, "Thanks to this policy, everyone is talking about public transportation. It is almost a success even before the policy is implemented."

Katarina Dr?ge, a member of the German Green Party, explained, "People feeling the burden of inflation will welcome the 9-euro ticket," and added, "I hope as many people as possible benefit from it."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.