It seems like every second day Germany is in the world press announcing ideas for reducing Carbon Emissions and improving its Public Transportation system.
When I observe even the smaller cities in Germany, the accessibility for residents to still take public transport is incredibly impressive. Even in a village in Thuringia of 80 residents, there is still an hourly bus connection.
And yet, Germany or germans are still willing to push to the extreme. An article in the Guardian on 14 February 2018 describes how in cities like Bonn, Mannheim, Essen and (hopefully) Berlin they are planning a test period for completely free public transportation use. The Guardian Article here.
Of course, this would require a massive overhaul of the system and far more frequent trains and trams to cope with the demand. But still, what a courageous step to take.
Regardless of what the test period demonstrates however, there is a second option currently being mooted and petitioned, which is a yearly transport ticket to be made available for €365, ie €1 per day.
You can sign the Petition here.
Again, whether this project is financially feasible should not be the sole purpose. This idea of making Public Transport more affordable and more frequent should result in roads being safer and less conjested, carbon dioxide and monoxide levels dropping, as well as general air and noise pollution being reduced, and surely more employment for the driving, maintenance and planning of the extra services.
Win win!
Now, if only I could also get my Deutsche Bahn tickets for that cheap...!
