#61 KlimaGoodNews: Heading toward climate goals with bus and train

#61 KlimaGoodNews: Heading toward climate goals with bus and train
Photo by Winston Tjia / Unsplash

The transport sector is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions. In 2023, it was responsible for around 146 million tons, or 22% of total greenhouse gases in Germany—and even a quarter in the EU. Road traffic contributes significantly to this, accounting for more than 70% of traffic-related emissions. To meet national and international climate protection goals, the transport sector must drastically and rapidly reduce its emissions in the coming years.

A key measure to reduce emissions is the shift from cars to more climate-friendly modes of transport. Promoting rail and public transport is one of the crucial levers. According to the Federal Environment Agency, up to 17 million tons of CO₂ could be saved in Germany by 2030 as a result.

To fully exploit this potential, a large portion of traffic must be shifted to public transport. Programs like the "Deutschlandticket" support the switch to buses and trains. However, further investments in public transport are needed to make it more attractive and to strengthen its contribution to climate protection.

In this edition of our KlimaGoodNews, you’ll read about some developments that can pave the way for more climate protection through public transport. Enjoy reading 💚

Klimaschutz im Verkehr
Mobilität ist unverzichtbarer Teil des täglichen Lebens. Verkehr ist jedoch auch einer der größten Verursacher von Treibhausgasen in Deutschland. Um den Anforderungen des Pariser Klimaschutzabkommens und dem Ziel des Bundes-Klimaschutzgesetzes für 2030 gerecht zu werden, muss der Verkehr in Deutschland seine Treibhausgasemissionen bereits in den kommenden Jahren schnell und drastisch mindern.

Deutschlandticket leads to significant CO₂ Reduction

red and white train on train station
Photo by Jonas Junk / Unsplash

A recent study shows that the "Deutschlandticket," introduced in May 2023, has significantly reduced CO₂ emissions from car traffic. Within the first year, emissions decreased by 6.7 million tons, equivalent to about a 5% reduction in total traffic emissions. Train journeys over 30 kilometers increased by nearly a third, while car kilometers driven fell by 7.6%.

However, the planned price increase to €58 starting in 2025 could weaken this effect. Researchers expect fewer people to use the ticket, potentially halving CO₂ savings.

The Deutschlandticket is used by around 11 million people per month. According to a survey, users reduce their car use by an average of 16%. Without the Deutschlandticket, 12% of these trips would have been made by car or other means of transport.

These results show that the Deutschlandticket makes a significant contribution to the use of public transport. However, rising costs remain a challenge for many, which could significantly influence the future development of the transport sector.

Neue Studie zeigt: 49-Euro-Ticket senkt CO2-Ausstoß
Menschen mit Deutschlandticket fahren seltener Auto. Seit Mai 2023 ging der CO2-Ausstoß im Autoverkehr um mehrere Millionen Tonnen zurück.

Over half of Vienna's citizens now use trains instead of cars

white sedan on road during daytime
Photo by Alexander Bagno / Unsplash

A similar shift from cars to public transport is also evident in Vienna. According to an analysis by the Austrian Transport Club (VCÖ), 54% of Vienna's train passengers previously used cars—more than half.

The "Klimaticket," which offers affordable and flexible use of nearly all public transport in Austria, has been a major motivator for many people in Vienna to switch: 69% of respondents cited it as a key reason. Many also mentioned the ability to make good use of travel time on trains. Improved connections and rising fuel prices further reinforced this trend.

Vienna has also incentivized the shift to public transport by expanding its rail infrastructure. However, passengers still see room for improvement, such as shorter travel times and more frequent off-peak connections.

Vienna shows how a well-thought-out transport concept can sustainably promote the switch to public transport. Experts like Michael Schwendinger from the VCÖ emphasize that even more people could switch to trains if the offer, especially in rural areas, is further improved.

VCÖ-Analyse: Jeder zweite Wiener Bahnfahrer stieg von Auto auf Zug um
Bahnfahren wird immer beliebter. Das soll auch eine neue Analyse der Verkehrsclubs Österreich (VCÖ) zeigen. Mehr als die Hälfte jener Passagiere, die in Wien mit dem Zug unterwegs sind, nutzten die selben Wege einst mit dem Auto.

🎊  Earthly Delights

Pilot project to strengthen public transport in rural areas

The pilot project "MOVEwell" (Mobility Network for Sustainable Rural Living Spaces) aims to strengthen public transport in rural areas in three districts in Thuringia. Led by the Bauhaus University Weimar, the project officially started on September 1, 2024, funded with €4.6 million by the federal government.

The project focuses on three main points: coordinating timetables to reduce waiting times, expanding mobility management, and developing a digital platform to capture citizens' mobility needs. The goal is to open up rural areas, increase location attractiveness, and adjust existing services to meet demand. An important measure is supplementing timetables with on-demand taxis and buses to increase flexibility.

The project’s success is crucial to achieving sustainable mobility in rural areas. It offers a promising approach that will hopefully be applied in many regions in the future.

Thüringens ländlichen Raum besser anbinden durch bedarfsgerechte Mobilitätskonzepte
Unter Federführung der Bauhaus-Universität Weimar startet ab September 2024 das BMBF-geförderte Verbundprojekt MOVEwell. Ziel ist es, den ländlichen Raum besser zu erschließen und damit die Standortattraktivität für Unternehmen – insbesondere für Fachkräfte – zu erhöhen. Am Beispiel dreier Modellregionen in Thüringen sollen innovative und nachhaltige ÖPNV-Konzepte entwickelt, erprobt und mit Maßnahmen des betrieblichen Mobilitätsmanagements verknüpft werden. Dafür stellt der Bund in den kommenden fünf Jahren knapp 4,6 Millionen Euro zur Verfügung.

💯  Number of the Week

€20 – The future monthly price for train travel in Portugal

So far, the nationwide train ticket in Portugal costs €49 per month, the same as in Germany. While the ticket price will increase to €58 in Germany starting next year, Portugal plans to reduce it by more than 50% to €20. Prime Minister Luís Montenegro sees this as "an investment in the people, the environment, and the future."

Like in Germany, the ticket will include the use of all city and regional trains. Additionally, it will allow the use of intercity trains, comparable to the Intercity-Express. However, buses, subways, and high-speed trains will still require a separate ticket.

The new ticket is expected to increase train usage significantly. For example, a one-way trip from Porto to Lisbon (300 kilometers) will be almost €15 cheaper with the €20 ticket compared to previous offers. For tourists, this is a sustainable and affordable way to explore the country!

Geht doch: EU-Land plant 20-Euro-Ticket für Bahnfahrten
Während hierzulande der Preis fürs 49-Euro-Ticket deutlich ansteigt, plant Portugal ihn mehr als zu halbieren: Das landesweite Bahnticket soll dort nur noch 20 Euro kosten – und sogar in Intercity-Zügen gelten.

💪 Challenge of the Week

Where can I go with the Deutschlandticket?

The Deutschlandticket has already reduced CO₂ emissions from car traffic by 6.7 million tons in its first year, showing the valuable contribution public transport can make to climate protection. With even greater usage, this potential could be better utilized, further advancing climate-friendly mobility.

The ticket is particularly used for daily commutes, offering significant savings. In the largest German cities, users save between €20 in Hamburg and up to €50 in Berlin compared to alternative offers.

The Deutschlandticket can also be used optimally for weekend trips, for example. And that brings us to our Challenge of the Week: Research which destinations you could reach within 2 hours from your home using the Deutschlandticket.

This week, there are four difficulty levels. Choose the challenge that suits you best:

  • Easy: Find nearby destinations that you can conveniently reach by public transport.
  • Medium: Research destinations in your region and plan a trip there using the €49 ticket.
  • Hard: Think of destinations you can reach from your nearest train or bus stop with the €49 ticket, and create a route.
  • Very Hard: Go spontaneously to your nearest train or bus stop, set a 2-hour timer, and see where your journey takes you—no prior planning!
  • Bonus Task: Discover other offers in your region that can help you reach your destination beyond the Deutschlandticket.

Explore what public transport in Germany has to offer. Every use supports further investments, showing companies the demand, which makes changes easier. Moreover, using public transport fosters a sense of community, which is crucial for climate protection. Good luck 🚌

Thank you for reading KlimaGoodNews #61 💚

We look forward to the next edition with more positive news for a sustainable future!