Trainee travel pass delayed again as Ticketmaster timeline collapses

A promised lifeline for apprentices hits another roadblock. With no firm date in sight, frustration grows over the stalled trainee travel pass.

, and Administrator

2026 January 17 . 12:41 AM

1 min read

The image shows a group of men standing next to each other in front of the Brandenburg Gate in... — The image shows a group of men standing next to each other in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany. They are wearing coats and hats, and there is a railing in the foreground. The image is in black and white, giving it a classic, timeless feel.

Apprentice Ticket Delayed - Trainee travel pass delayed again as Ticketmaster timeline collapses

The launch of the discounted trainee travel pass has faced another setback. Originally planned for February 2026, officials now confirm the Ticketmaster timeline cannot be met. The delay has drawn criticism from transport experts and left apprentices waiting for cheaper travel options.

The VBB supervisory board is set to discuss the trainee travel pass at its mid-March meeting. A final decision on its introduction could come then, though no firm date has been confirmed. The board has also asked for an assessment of how the ticket would work in Brandenburg.

Transport Senator Ute Bonde admitted that the planned 1 February start was no longer possible. Instead, the pass is now expected to go on sale in spring 2026. Meanwhile, the transport authority has signed a letter of intent with the Chamber of Industry and Commerce and the Chamber of Skilled Crafts to promote job ticket agreements.

Green Party transport expert Oda Hassepaß criticised the repeated delays. She argued that apprentices needed reliable and affordable travel options sooner rather than later. The Germany-wide discounted ticket for trainees remains on hold until further notice.

The trainee travel pass remains in limbo, with a potential decision in March 2026. If approved, the Ticketmaster would still not be available until later in the spring. Apprentices and businesses continue to wait for clarity on when cheaper travel will finally be introduced.