€9 rail pass: This is how much Germany's cheap train tickets increased passenger numbers

[DavidB-AU]

Short distance train travel in Germany has surged over the past few months - partly thanks to the country’s ultra-cheap summer rail pass.

 

Compared to the first quarter of the year (January to March), short distance rail transport is up 46 per cent.

 

The €9 a month ticket offers passengers unlimited use of local and regional trains between June and August.

 

https://www.euronews.com/travel/2022/08/15/9-rail-pass-this-is-how-much-germanys-cheap-train-tickets-increased-passenger-numbers

[SimonBoulton]

It was an interesting move by the German government and helped to reduce the inflation rate there. Generally, it looks to have been a success so far but with a number of reports of extreme overcrowding on certain routes. I'm visiting Germany at the end of September and whilst this ticket would save me a bit of money, I'm hoping they don't extend it as I'd rather use the existing daily tickets and not have delays or uncertainty caused by overcrowded trains 

 

[D9020 Nimbus]

From the railway's point of view, what really matters is how many of those extra people keep on using the trains once the offer is over, and how many are put off by severe overcrowding and delays…