For those who need to move to another city for work or training, the cost of traveling back home can be a burden. Starting in April, a new mobility subsidy will provide relief for apprentices. Additionally, students will be able to travel home more affordably in the future. Here's an overview of all the changes coming in April.
On May 1st, the Deutschlandticket will celebrate its first anniversary. Since its introduction last spring, the affordable bus and train ticket has been purchased millions of times. For many commuters, the 49-euro ticket is often cheaper than a monthly pass for the local transport association and is valid nationwide. Therefore, it offers a chance to save money. Some federal states also offer additional discounts, such as for people with low incomes. More information is available from the respective transport associations.
The shortage of skilled workers is also evident in the apprenticeship sector. Germany is facing the largest shortage of apprentices in 30 years. In addition to a training guarantee and increased advisory and support services, the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs aims to address this issue from April with a mobility subsidy for apprentices, making it easier to start an apprenticeship.
The mobility subsidy is aimed at young people who need to move to another city for their training. The subsidy is intended to make it more affordable for them to travel home to their families. In the first year of training, they can receive support for two home trips per month.
Apprentices can apply for the subsidy through the Federal Employment Agency or the Jobcenter to get their travel costs reimbursed. To qualify for the subsidy, the training company must not be within a reasonable commuting distance from the current residence of the apprentice, making relocation necessary.
Starting in the summer semester of 2024, students can also benefit from changes: a nationwide semester ticket will be launched at most universities from April. This ticket will allow students to travel across Germany affordably by bus and train. The national semester ticket costs 29.40 euros per month.
However, the new semester ticket might not be immediately available at all universities. The General Student Committees (AStA) at each university need to negotiate and sign their own contracts with the respective transport associations. The availability, timing, and scope of the ticket at individual universities will depend on the progress of these negotiations. If a university adopts the national semester ticket, students will pay for it as part of their semester fees, just like the existing semester tickets.
