Critics from climate organizations voice opposition toward the proposed hike in commuter allowances, labeling it as socially unjust, starting from 2026. - Escalating commuter rate faced with intense criticism by environmental advocates since 2026
In a recent statement, Christiane Averbeck, the Chairwoman of the Climate Alliance, expressed her concern over the planned removal of the time limit for the commuter allowance, arguing that it exacerbates inequality and hinders social-ecological reform. This criticism comes as the German government prepares to increase the commuter allowance, a move that has been met with controversy among climate activists.
The increase, which will see the allowance rise from 30 cents to 38 cents per kilometer starting January 1, 2026, was agreed upon by the Union and SPD in their coalition agreement. However, the Climate Alliance, along with the Greens, argue that this increase disproportionately benefits higher-income individuals who commute longer distances by car, rather than helping low-income people who often cannot afford long car commutes or who rely more on local public transport.
People with low income, such as salespeople, delivery drivers, and caregivers, often travel many kilometers, earn little, and benefit minimally from the commuter allowance. On the other hand, high-income individuals are expected to benefit more from the increase, with high-income individuals set to benefit around 539 euros in 2025, while low-income individuals will receive around 196 euros.
The commuter allowance, which applies regardless of the means of transport, sets no ecological incentives and instead subsidizes longer commutes, solidifies more car traffic, and higher emissions. This policy risks encouraging more car travel, which contradicts ecological goals by increasing greenhouse gas emissions.
The Climate Alliance has not promoted the commuter allowance as a tool for sustainable mobility, and the Greens have called for more funds for public transport, especially for the Germany ticket. The BMF (Ministry of Finance) did not provide additional information regarding the commuter allowance in the given context.
By 2030, the combined losses of the federal government, states, and municipalities due to the commuter allowance will rise to 8.8 billion euros. In 2023, the combined losses will be 1.135 billion euros, and by 2025, this figure is expected to reach 1.96 billion euros.
The increase in the commuter allowance is a point of contention among climate activists, who argue that it is socially unfair and environmentally harmful. The main points of criticism are social unfairness, as low-income individuals benefit less, and ecological harm, as the increase may encourage greater car use, leading to higher emissions and undermining climate goals. These aspects explain why climate activists view the increase negatively despite its political framing as equitable relief.
- The planned increase in the commuter allowance, a policy supported by the Union and SPD, has sparked concerns among climate activists, such as the Climate Alliance and the Greens, as it exacerbates inequality and contradicts ecological goals by encouraging more car use, leading to higher emissions.
- The Climate Alliance, in line with the Greens, argues that the commuter allowance disproportionately benefits higher-income individuals who commute longer distances by car, rather than helping low-income people who often cannot afford long car commutes or rely more on local public transport.
- The commuter allowance, a financial policy, sets no ecological incentives and subsidizes longer commutes, solidifies more car traffic, and higher emissions, making it environmentally harmful.
- Climate activists view the increase in the commuter allowance as socially unfair, as it benefits low-income individuals minimally, and environmentally harmful, as it may encourage greater car use, leading to higher emissions and undermining climate goals.
