Deutschlandticket plus: Taxis as a point of contention

Ahead of tomorrow's special transport ministers' conference, Patrick Meinhardt, chief executive of TMV, is advocating the Deutschlandticket plus. The nationwide ticket should in future be valid not only for buses and trains, but also for taxi rides.

A Deutschlandticket plus taxi would cover the entire local public transport network. The TMV is also calling for this to achieve greater mobility equity.| Photo: TMV
A Deutschlandticket plus taxi would cover the entire local public transport network. The TMV is also calling for this to achieve greater mobility equity.| Photo: TMV

Patrick Meinhardt sees this as a step toward greater mobility justice. Above all, people outside metropolitan areas and passengers with reduced mobility could benefit.

"Only in this way can the goal of mobility justice for all transport users and in all regions of Germany be achieved," Meinhardt said ahead of the conference.

According to the association’s proposal, an expanded ticket could be financed from the Infrastructure Special Fund. The billions in funds are intended to go into the expansion and modernization of transport in any case. The association sees an opportunity here not only to strengthen traditional local public transport, but also to close gaps in the accessibility of smaller towns.

Whether the ministers will embrace such a model remains open. So far, the Deutschlandticket has been debated primarily because of its financing. The federal and state governments are wrestling over how the persistently rising costs of the Deutschlandticket should be apportioned. Including taxi rides would further change the equation.

The debate touches on a fundamental question: Should the ticket primarily promote the shift from cars to buses and trains — or should it be an instrument that ensures mobility for all segments of the population? The special conference is likely to provide initial answers.

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