Child Protection Association Advocates for Complimentary Public Transportation Passes
In Germany, the debate surrounding public transportation for children has gained momentum, with the Children's Protection Association NRW leading the charge. The association emphasises that children and young people have the right to explore their world, and mobility should not be a barrier to this exploration.
The association supports the demand for a free ticket for children and young people, a position also shared by the State Student Council of NRW. This demand is a response to the current situation where mobility is not free for children and young people, making part-time jobs, tutoring, or visiting counseling centres out of reach due to lack of mobility.
Lack of mobility can increase the risk of loneliness and isolation for children and young people. It can also hinder their social and cultural participation. Moreover, lack of mobility can perpetuate social inequality, as approximately 20% of children in NRW are at risk of poverty.
The Children's Protection Association NRW's demand for a free ticket is aimed at addressing these issues. Michael Kutz, State Manager of the Children's Protection Association NRW, emphasises that mobility should not be dependent on factors like wallet, residence, or school commute. The demand is for a free ticket for children and young people regardless of their family's financial situation.
Currently, free public transportation for children typically applies only to those under 6 years old. For children aged 6 to 18, discounted tickets are offered, but a free ticket across all regions is generally not provided. The introduction of the Deutschlandticket (around €58/month from 2025) allows unlimited travel on all regional public transport across Germany, but it is a subscription model and not free.
Advocacy continues to focus on increasing accessibility and equity through expanded youth fare programs. While the benefits of free or reduced-fare schemes for children and adolescents are clear - improved access to education, extracurricular activities, and social inclusion, as well as eco-friendly travel habits and economic benefits - results vary by region.
In summary, Germany offers free public transport only to children under 6, with discounts and subsidised tickets for ages 6 to 18. Free travel for older children across all regions is generally not provided. The Children's Protection Association NRW's demand for a free ticket aims to address the significant burden on families with low income and the limitations on access to leisure activities, cultural offers, and opportunities for personal development.
The Children's Protection Association NRW's demand for a free ticket aims to bridge the gap in mobility faced by children and young people, enabling them to participate in various industries such as finance, where part-time jobs might be unattainable due to mobility constraints. On a broader scale, this demand could also encourage social and cultural engagement across transportation sectors, fostering a more equitable and cohesive society, particularly in the face of rising social inequality, as demonstrated by the 20% of children in NRW at risk of poverty.
