Across Europe, the cost of living crisis has affected the majority of the population as bills for food, fuel and electricity rise. Even before the war in Ukraine, energy prices were climbing, while fuel prices at the pump began to look rather frightening.

One of the ways in which some European countries are offering a helping hand to their citizens is by reducing train, bus and tram fares. Germany is one of the countries that has acted in this way, justifying it as follows: "in the current situation, public transport is a necessary, efficient and cost-effective alternative to private cars for many citizens". At the same time, it is one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transport, which gives governments an additional goal to achieve price reductions. (...)