Green demand radical reform of the commuter flat rate: uncovered injustice!

Green demand radical reform of the commuter flat rate: uncovered injustice!

Vienna, Österreich - The commuter flat rate is again in focus in the current political discussion. The Greens criticize the existing regulation as socially unjust and environmentally harmful. The traffic spokesman Lukas Hammer emphasizes that wealthy commuters in particular benefit from the flat rate, while low earners receive less support. A response to request from Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer (SPÖ) reveals that the proportion of recipients with over 100,000 euros in annual income on the commuter flat rate has increased drastically in the past two years. In 2022, four percent of the recipients received the small commuter flat rate with this income limit, while it was more than twice as many in 2024.

hammer calls for a reform in the form of a tax deduction. He argues that each way to work should be equivalent regardless of income. He also criticizes the unequal support between drivers and the use of public transport. Drivers receive aid from two kilometers from a pendulum route, while commuters who travel by public transport are only funded from 20 kilometers. This focus on the car potula is not only unfair, but also in an environmentally harmful way.

environmental and climate protection in focus

The discussion about the commuter flat rate is not only taken up by the Greens, but also by institutions such as the Federal Environment Agency (UBA). According to a report of the Uba , the current regulation represents a climate-damaging subsidy that creates incentives for longer commuting routes and thus increases traffic. The draft of an increase in the distance flat rate of 38 cents per kilometer from the first kilometer could potentially bring several hundred euros in tax savings. However, experts warn that such a measure does not remedy the existing grievances and that low -income households continue to disadvantage.

hammer confirms the demand for ecologization of commuter promotion in order to end the improvement of the auto endeln. With regard to the increasing gasoline prices and the associated financial challenges for many commuters, the federal government should quickly tackle a structural reform of the commuter flat rate. The Agora Verkehrsenwende indicates the need that the commuter flat rate must be inserted into the goal of reducing oil imports, which is not achieved as long as climate-neutral traffic systems missing.

The coming months will be crucial because the discussion about social justice and the climate effect of the commuter flat rate will continue. The political positions could continue to shift, especially if the increase in the commuter flat rate in the coalition agreement for January 1, 2026 is determined, but subject to financing. An agreement on how commuters will be supported in the future is essential.