Following the price increase of the Deutschlandticket by 5 euros at the beginning of 2026, the number of its subscribers in the Hamburg metropolitan area slightly decreased. Data presented by the Hamburger Verkehrsverbund (HVV) shows that in January, 1.24 million people held this ticket, representing a 0.5 percent decrease compared to December 2025. The association reassures that a similar short-term reaction was observed after the previous price increase, and the long-term trend of popularity for this nationwide public transport ticket remains upward.
Subscriber Decline After Price Hike
The Hamburger Verkehrsverbund (HVV) reported that the number of Deutschlandticket subscribers fell to 1.24 million in January 2026, representing a 0.5 percent reduction compared to December. This is a direct reaction to the increase in the monthly fee by 5 euros, which took effect on January 1st.
Repeatable Market Pattern
HVV points out that an identical decline of 0.5 percent occurred a year earlier, in January 2025, after the previous ticket price increase. The association treats this as a predictable, transitional phenomenon, which over the year was more than offset by an influx of new users.
Long-Term Growth in Popularity
Despite the temporary decline, the total number of Deutschlandticket subscribers in the Hamburg region (1.24 million) is higher than a year ago (slightly below 1.23 million). This data confirms that the fundamental attractiveness of the ticket as a convenient, nationwide solution for local transport persists.
Stability of the Business Model
A statement by an HVV spokesperson to the dpa agency emphasizes that the current situation fits within the predicted scenario and does not pose a threat to the future of the Deutschlandticket model. The transport association shows no concern about the short-term loss of subscribers.
After the price increase of the Deutschlandticket by 5 euros took effect at the beginning of 2026, subscription rates in the Hamburg metropolitan area recorded a predictable, slight decline. According to data published by the Hamburger Verkehrsverbund (HVV), the number of active subscribers to this nationwide monthly ticket was 1.24 million in January. This means a reduction of 0.5 percent compared to December of the previous year. The direct cause of this phenomenon is the increase in the monthly fee, which rose from the previous 55 to 60 euros at the beginning of January. The Hamburger Verkehrsverbund points out the repeatability of this pattern. An identical decline of 0.5 percent occurred exactly one year earlier, in January 2025, also immediately after the previous ticket price increase. In a statement to the German Press Agency (dpa), an HVV spokesperson said: „last year (in January 2025) an effect of the same magnitude occurred, also then the price of the Deutschlandticket increased”. This comparison serves to calm sentiments and indicates that the current fluctuation is part of a predictable market cycle, not a sign of a permanent decline in interest. The association emphasizes that the previous decline was not only recovered in the following months but was more than compensated for by an influx of new customers. The Deutschlandticket was introduced in May 2023 as a permanent, nationwide offer following the popular, yet temporary, 9-euro ticket from the summer of 2022. Its goal is to radically simplify the complicated German tariff system for local and regional transport and to promote eco-friendly forms of mobility. The ticket entitles holders to unlimited travel on all local transport means (buses, trams, metro, regional and suburban railways) throughout Germany, excluding long-distance trains operated by Deutsche Bahn (IC, ICE).Despite the temporary decline, data from Hamburg confirms the long-term viability of the Deutschlandticket concept. The current number of 1.24 million subscribers in the HVV region is higher than a year ago, when it was slightly below 1.23 million. This indicates the sustained fundamental attractiveness of the ticket, which outweighs the negative impact of one-off price increases. This model offers users unprecedented convenience and cost predictability for traveling across the country, which for many compensates for the fee increase. Observations from Hamburg have broader significance, as they may serve as a pattern for other German transport associations (Verkehrsverbünde), which will also publish January data in the coming weeks. HVV, as one of the largest such associations in the country, often serves as a barometer for the entire market. Its analysis suggests that the Deutschlandticket has successfully survived the second price increase in its history, and its position as a pillar of German transport policy remains unshaken. Short-term subscription fluctuations appear to be a natural consumer reaction to price changes, which does not undermine the long-term upward trend. The stability of this model is crucial for the funding and further development of local public transport in Germany.