Short-distance train fares could potentially double, according to the Pro BAHN group, due to the VRR tariff reform.
The Rhine-Ruhr Transport Association (VRR) is planning a fare system reform, aiming to simplify ticket options, increase transparency, and offer more digital options. However, the proposed changes have sparked criticism from passenger association PRO BAHN, who argue that the reform creates new injustices and disadvantages for short-distance travellers.
At the heart of the controversy is the proposed abolition of the 2-Wave rule, a current policy that allows short trips to neighbouring cities at inner-city prices. If the 2-Wave rule is abolished, these connections will move to the more expensive price level B, costing 7.40 € for adults – more than double that of price level A.
The reform also proposes the abolition of the short trip option, which previously cost around two euros for short distances. This change will affect 17 percent of today's single ticket customers, including student David R. from Gräfrath to Vohwinkel, who criticizes the reform for potentially doubling the price for a short trip, which only takes ten minutes.
Sandra L., a tax consultant from Solingen, commutes daily from Ohligs to Leichlingen for work and expresses concern about having to pay more than 7 euros for the bus ride in the future. Monika K., a pensioner from Solingen-Wald, also voices her opposition, preferring a normal ticket over the digital tariff eezy. She finds it unacceptable that passengers without a smartphone will have to pay disproportionate prices for short trips across city borders in the future.
Lothar Ebbers, spokesman for PRO BAHN, shares these concerns, warning that it is not acceptable for passengers without a smartphone to pay disproportionate prices for short trips across city borders in the future. He also argues that the abolition of the 2-Wave rule would negatively impact passengers by making travel less flexible and more expensive.
PRO BAHN calls for the retention of the 2-Wave rule to prevent passenger losses and to prevent numerous central projects that are intended to strengthen cross-city public transport from being counteracted. They draw a mixed conclusion, finding the simplification of the ticket range sensible but rejecting the structural reform in its current form.
The jump to price level C will be more pronounced, costing 18.90 €. Despite the controversy, the VRR maintains that the fare system reform is necessary to create a more transparent and user-friendly ticketing system. The entry price will be at price level A, which is 3.60 € for adults and 2.00 € for children.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether the VRR will make any adjustments to the proposed fare system reform to address the concerns raised by PRO BAHN and other passengers.
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