German minister thinks of expansion of flat-rate transport ticket

German Transport Minister Volker Wissing has called for a flat-rate ticket for public transport nationwide to apply in neighbouring country France as well.

France is planning a national ticket similar to the German ticket, he told the newspapers of the Funke media group in Germany and French newspaper Ouest-France.

"I would have great sympathy for us mutually recognizing our national tickets," Wissing said. Germany and France could make a start and other European countries could follow suit, he said, adding that, "it would be a complex undertaking that will take time, however."

Germany introduced a flat-rate ticket for public transport nationwide for €49 ($53) per month as of May 1. The pass allows unlimited use of regional trains anywhere in the country.

It is intended as a subscription, but can be cancelled monthly.

Wissing rejected criticism of the ticket that it makes little sense in rural areas. "Depending on the region and daily travel time, savings of up to €4,000 per year are possible for consumers with a combined use of car and public transport," he said.

He added that longer commuting distances mean the potential to save CO2 was also far greater in rural areas than in cities.

It would be unrealistic to provide the same level and frequency of public transport links that cities enjoy in rural areas, he said, adding that car and public transport must be thought of in combination.