Rise in public transport passenger numbers

The number of passengers on buses and trains rose last year. According to the Federal Statistical Office, almost 10.9 billion passengers were recorded on local and long-distance routes in 2023 - seven percent more than in the previous year. In 2023, local public transport, which accounts for 99 percent of all scheduled services, recorded a seven percent increase in passenger volumes compared to 2022. Despite this increase, passenger volumes are still around eight percent below the level of 2019, the year before the coronavirus pandemic began. According to preliminary data from the Federal Statistical Office, the Deutschlandticket, which was introduced on May 1, 2023, has contributed to an increase in passenger numbers. Passenger numbers had already risen in 2022, partly due to the 9-euro ticket available for three months in summer.