France is set to follow in Germany's footsteps by introducing a budget-friendly monthly rail pass next summer, designed to promote eco-friendly transportation, according to Transport Minister

Clement Beaune.

The proposed "Pass Rail" is expected to be priced at approximately €49 ($52) per month and will provide unlimited travel on TER regional trains and intercity trains across France. President Emmanuel Macron recently confirmed that France's regional authorities have given the green light for this initiative, which aligns with previous restrictions on domestic air travel within the country.

Beaune emphasized the simplicity of the pass, stating that it will be available to all French citizens, regardless of age, and will offer unlimited travel on intercity or TER routes at an affordable, fixed rate.

Acknowledging that this idea closely resembles Germany's "Deutschland-Ticket," which was launched in May and offers unlimited travel on regional and local transportation for €49 per month, Beaune emphasized the goal of encouraging greater train usage in France.

The Pass Rail is slated for a summer launch, with pricing similar to its German counterpart. Notably, France's high-speed TGV trains will not be included, mirroring the limitations of the German pass, which excludes high-speed German ICE trains.

Beaune expressed the desire to extend the French pass's coverage to encompass local transportation within cities, including metro, bus, and tram services, where possible.

Germany's pass, co-funded by the state and regions, is projected to cost authorities €3 billion annually until 2025.

While Macron's announcement has garnered attention, there have been differing opinions on the proposal's financial feasibility. Franck Dhersin, vice-president of the northern Hauts-de-France region responsible for transport, remarked that while the president often proposes good ideas, "It's your idea, and you can finance it."

In a related development promoting sustainable travel, Austrian rail operator ÖBB revealed plans to launch a night train service between Paris and Berlin in December, further highlighting the growing interest in environmentally friendly transportation options. Photo by Donautalbahner, Wikimedia commons.