Transport Minister Bilger defends “tank discount”

The railway infrastructure is dilapidated, many roads and bridges need to be renovated and the situation in the Middle East has recently driven up fuel prices - the challenges facing Federal Transport Minister Steffen Bilger are great. He has been in office since the end of July. In the ARD Arena he answered questions from citizens.

In the TV format he defended the “tank discount”. Many people, especially in rural areas, are dependent on cars, said the CDU politician. Prices at gas stations have been high for many months. “In my opinion, some relief was needed,” he said.

Since the beginning of October and until the end of the year, the state has collected almost 17 cents less in taxes on the liter of fuel. There was already a “tank discount” in the spring as a result of the Iran conflict with price jumps.

Bilger still calls Deutschlandticket attractive

Environmental associations had criticized the renewed fuel discount - especially since, on the other hand, the Germany ticket for local and regional transport will be more expensive in 2027. Bilger called the Deutschlandticket still a very attractive offer, even with the price increase next year.

The Germany ticket will cost 66.80 euros from January instead of 63 euros as before. The subscription price for 2027 was calculated for the first time using a specific formula. A price index uses statistical data to simulate the cost development of personnel and energy, for example, which transport companies have to shoulder.

Because the ticket is cheaper than previous regional subscriptions, there is a loss of income for transport companies. That's why the federal and state governments each give 1.5 billion euros per year - Bilger also pointed this out.

Minister speaks out against general speed limits

In view of the high fuel prices, the discussion about a general speed limit has recently flared up again. In the ARD Arena, Bilger now made it clear that he rejects a general speed limit on German motorways.

If you look at all the streets in Germany, there are still 4 percent of streets where there is no speed limit. Around 70 percent are on the motorways, where there is no speed limit. "But many people are already driving slower, using cruise control, and perhaps also want to save fuel." That is why the CO2 effect is overestimated.

There are well-developed motorways in Germany. “We have fewer traffic accidents than in other European countries where there is a speed limit,” the minister continued.

Bilger sees the speed limit as “additional division”

And: "Then I would also like to appeal for understanding that for many who reject the speed limit, it would also be a restriction on their freedom, which, I believe, would cause even more division given the many divisions that we have in our country."

The federal government relies on so-called telematics systems in which the speed is adjusted depending on the traffic situation, the weather and the traffic jam situation. These are the smarter solutions.

This year, the Greens made another push for the introduction of a maximum speed of 130 kilometers per hour. Environmental associations have been calling for a speed limit for a long time: In addition to greater safety, a speed limit could also lead to significant savings in climate-damaging CO2 emissions.