In a groundbreaking step for local public transport, Saxony has enabled extended use of the Deutschlandticket. From July 1, the ticket will be valid on the IC 17 intercity connection between Chemnitz and Dresden. This decision is particularly relevant as it significantly shortens the travel time for commuters on this route.
Saxony: role model for local and long-distance transport cooperation
The regulation in Saxony shows how flexibility in public transport can lead to improved mobility. Especially since November 11, when the IC 17 line was reopened, travelers have benefited significantly: the journey from Dresden to Chemnitz now takes less than an hour. This innovation was decided by the association meeting of the Zweckverband Verkehrsverbund Mittelsachsen (VMS) in cooperation with Deutsche Bahn and the Saxon Ministry of Transport.
The following InterCity trains run on the IC 17 line:
- Dresden Hbf - Freiberg(Sachs) - Chemnitz Hbf: IC 2271 and IC 2273
- Chemnitz Hbf - Freiberg(Sachs) - Dresden Hbf: IC 2270 and IC 2272
This decision is also a response to the existing challenges in regional transport. The RE3, which also runs between Dresden and Chemnitz, is often overcrowded with a journey time of 59 minutes, resulting in inconvenience for passengers.
Germany-wide exceptions as in Saxony
Originally, the Deutschlandticket was only to be valid on regional services. However, as with the 9-euro ticket, this led to capacity problems and dissatisfaction among commuters. The new regulation in Saxony, which allows the Deutschlandticket to be used on Intercity services, could therefore serve as a model for similar adjustments in other regions.
An overview of important routes
The introduction of the Deutschlandticket has also led to a number of exceptions in other federal states. Other important routes include:
- Stuttgart Hbf - Singen - Konstanz ("Gäubahn")
- Rostock Hbf - Stralsund Hbf
- Westerland (Sylt) - Niebüll (only IC 2075, Mondays to Fridays)
- Freilassing - Berchtesgaden
- Erfurt - Gera
- Bremen - Norddeich-Mole/Emden-Außenhafen (RE1/IC56)
- Dortmund - Dillenburg
- Chemnitz-Dresden (also via Riesa)
Background and history of the Deutschlandticket
The Deutschlandticket, introduced as part of an initiative to promote local public transport and reduce traffic emissions, follows on from the €9 ticket introduced in 2022.
