Germany unveils discount travel card

Flat-rate ticket: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in an e-bus during the launch of the Deutschlandticket. About 16 million of the country’s 84 million inhabitants are expected to use the environment-friendly facility. — Reuters

Berlin: Germany has launched a new flat-rate public transport ticket valid across the country, but the €49 (US$54 or RM241) price point has raised doubts about its potential impact.

Touting the monthly pass as a “revolution”, policymakers hope it will bring some relief for consumers amid soaring inflation, and encourage people to favour mass transit in the name of the environment.