AfD faction demands retention of cash payment for tickets - Thuringia rejects AfD push to mandate cash for public transport fares
Thuringia’s state parliament has rejected an AfD proposal to keep cash payments for public transport tickets. The debate saw strong arguments from both supporters and critics of the motion. Lawmakers from different parties weighed in on the issue of payment methods and local decision-making.
The AfD’s parliamentary group in Thuringia put forward the motion to ensure cash remains an option for bus and train fares. Marcel Kramer, an AfD lawmaker, defended the proposal by calling cash the simplest and most reliable payment method for many people. He argued that not everyone has access to digital or card payments.
Andreas Schubert from The Left Party supported the idea, stating that cash is indispensable because not all residents hold bank accounts. He stressed that excluding cash could leave some travellers without a way to pay. Opposition came from CDU lawmaker Niklas Waßmann, who claimed the AfD’s motion undermined municipal self-governance. He argued that local authorities should decide payment policies without state interference. Schubert also criticised the proposal, saying it falsely suggested transport companies could be forced to accept cash. He added that the motion failed to tackle the real challenges facing public transport. In the end, a majority of the state parliament voted against the AfD’s proposal, leaving payment methods in the hands of local transport providers.
The rejection means transport companies in Thuringia will continue setting their own payment rules. The debate highlighted divisions over cash use and local control. Lawmakers from opposing parties agreed on little beyond the need for accessible transport options.
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