The head of Die Linke, Martin Schirdewan, has proposed a free one-year public transportation ticket for all teenagers on their 18th birthday. In order to make public transportation more attractive for young people, Schirdewan is calling for the introduction of a nationwide climate ticket in Germany, following the example of Austria. The exact transportation concept will be presented in Berlin on Tuesday. In Austria, 18-year-olds can use buses and trains for free for a year, which Schirdewan sees as a model for Germany. Additionally, the Left Party leader suggests expanding the 49-euro ticket for subscribers with six free long-distance trips annually. The success of the 49-euro ticket demonstrates that people are willing to switch to buses and trains if local transportation is affordable, according to the Left Party’s concept. However, regional trains are often overcrowded now, as prices are too high for occasional travelers, particularly in long-distance travel. Therefore, the 49-euro ticket with six free long-distance trips should be made more appealing.
Schirdewan stated that transportation is responsible for a quarter of greenhouse gas emissions in Europe, with emissions on the rise. The Left Party advocates for a socially just transportation revolution in the name of climate protection. By making public transportation more affordable and accessible, the party aims to reduce emissions and combat climate change. The proposal for a free one-year public transportation ticket for teenagers is part of this larger goal of promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation options. This initiative aligns with the party’s broader strategy to address environmental issues and promote social justice through policy proposals.
The Left Party’s transportation concept will be unveiled on Tuesday in Berlin, outlining plans to make public transportation more sustainable and attractive for young people. By emulating Austria’s model of offering free public transportation to 18-year-olds, Schirdewan hopes to encourage more young people in Germany to utilize buses and trains as their primary mode of transportation. The proposal to expand the 49-euro ticket with six free long-distance trips aims to address overcrowding on regional trains and make long-distance travel more affordable for occasional travelers. These measures are part of the Left Party’s efforts to promote a socially just transportation system that prioritizes environmental sustainability.
The 49-euro ticket has been successful in encouraging people to use public transportation, demonstrating that affordability is a key factor in people’s transportation choices. By offering free long-distance trips as an extension of the ticket, the Left Party seeks to incentivize more people to opt for buses and trains over private vehicles, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable transportation options. The party’s focus on social justice and climate protection underscores the importance of addressing transportation emissions and promoting environmentally friendly modes of travel. The proposal for a free one-year public transportation ticket for teenagers is a step towards achieving these broader goals and creating a more sustainable transportation system in Germany.
Schirdewan’s emphasis on the environmental impact of transportation highlights the urgent need to address emissions from the sector and transition towards a more sustainable transportation system. By advocating for a socially just transportation revolution, the Left Party aims to reduce emissions and combat climate change while also promoting affordable and accessible public transportation options. The proposal for a free one-year public transportation ticket for teenagers is a concrete step towards achieving these goals and encouraging more young people to use public transportation. With the unveiling of the party’s transportation concept in Berlin, the focus is on creating a more sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation system that benefits both individuals and the planet.
