The German transport minister Volker Wessing, expressed his support for the idea of a monthly pan-European transport pass. A "ticket" that would allow people to move freely from city to city throughout Europe.
At a conference in Berlin, Wissing said he was already in discussions with his counterparts in other EU countries about introducing the measure.
Around, everywhere
Wissing's hope comes in the aftermath of an important national decision of a similar nature: Germany recently introduced a 49-euro monthly pass valid throughout the country.
The pass, known as the "Deutschlandticket", will be available from 1 May and will cover most national public transport, with the exception of long-distance trains and buses (which will not however prevent you from covering the whole territory: just move from city to city).
The German transport minister praised this new offer and underlined the importance of creating public transport solutions close to people's needs. Furthermore, in support of the provision, has arranged the allocation of 110 million euros for the upgrading of bicycle parking in all the stations of the country. In the Netherlands they would be already equipped.
Single national subscription today, European tomorrow: what do you think?
Considering the fact that Austria also started with a "Climate ticket", France is considering a similar offer, and as similar tests in Spain have had very good results, a European subscription would be great.
The creation of a standard that allows the transport companies of the various countries to recognize each other's tickets will represent a turning point for the entire continent.
In its own way, I believe it would also help to relieve vehicular traffic (with related emissions) and short-haul flights. In this sense, however, there has been a European plan for some time.
What do you think? Would you sign it? To be honest, I would be even more radical: European public transport like healthcare: free for all. Almost. it can work, and that would be right.
