Already in the government program of the triple coalition, a “further development” of the climatic pocket was announced. This now applies to the possibility for 18-year-olds for free use in the previous year. Former minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens) reacted indignantly with a view to the renovation of her prestige project.
During the negotiations between the FPö and ÖVP, there had already been considerations with regard to the abolition of the SO -tendered KTö18. Currently, 18 -year -olds can use the climate kit for free for a year.
That should be over. The Ministry of Mobility under the leadership of Peter Hanke (Spö) was said on Friday that on the one hand the recently published budget numbers would underline the need for consolidation to which the federal government has agreed – each department must also make its contribution. “The abolition of the free Tokö18 is one of the measures in which savings potential has been determined. If this step occurs, the Ministry of Mobility will offer extensive information.”
“I think it’s wrong”
Gewessler, the current spokeswoman for the climate protection of the Greens, of course responded with criticism of these plans. The government jokes ‘a great deal of freedom for young people in Austria’. The KTö18 was an investment in a good future to sustainably inspire young people for public transport and climate protection.
“Although there is a further money for the grave of billion dollars and the subsidy of foreign freight with the diesel privilege, the government saves the youth of all things. I think that’s wrong,” said Leonore Gewseler in a statement.
Earlier, the “Tyrolean Daily” quoted the spokesperson for the Tyrolean Neos State and the national councilor Dominik Oberhofer, who had said that almost 15 million euros had been spent on the free climate since 2024. It was clear that such a “financial sugar” will no longer play in such an exciting federal budget in the future.
Real expenditure lower than budgeted
With 120 million euros, the free climate climate was budgeted in the former Ministry of Climate. According to the APA, the actual costs were considerably lower, at the beginning of the year the free option was only used by every fifth of the ministry at that time around 89,000 beneficiaries. A youth climate (up to 25 years old) has regularly cost 884.20 euros since the turn of the year.
The KTö18 was introduced with 1,7,2024. Everyone who became or has become 18 from January 1, 2024 and has a hometown in Austria is entitled. The free ticket is a year – the start can be chosen freely between the 18th and a day before the 21st birthday. Even those who have not exchanged the 2024 ticket can still do this in 2025. 72,000 people fall into this group. Moreover, there are again around 89,000, which celebrate their 18th birthday in 2025. If everyone claimed the ticket, the costs of around 142 million euros would cause.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
