Into the new training year by bus and train

Inexpensive and mobile through the coming training year: "With the BildungsTicket, which is valid throughout the network, pupils can travel for just 15 euros per month," says Martin Haase, Head of Tariffs at the Upper Elbe Transport Association (VVO). "The Deutschlandticket is available for 49 euros per month and is a favourable offer for trainees." The low prices are only possible because the Free State of Saxony and the federal and state governments support both offers financially.

With the end of the summer holidays on 4 August, many pupils and trainees start the new training year. First-graders begin the serious side of life, trainees start their vocational training and a new phase also begins for those changing from primary school to secondary school or grammar school. "For many young passengers, this also means new journeys on buses and trains," says Martin Haase. "Although the training year still seems a long way off, I recommend getting information from the transport companies now."

Both the BildungsTicket and the Deutschlandticket are subscriptions and can be booked online with the transport companies: "For the BildungsTicket, you then simply select the appropriate network," explains Martin Haase. "For pupils who live or attend school in the district of Bautzen, the VVO-BildungsTicket is also recognised in the part of the district of Bautzen that lies in the area of the neighbouring ZVON transport association."

"The Deutschlandticket subscription costs 49 euros per month," adds Martin Haase. "It is valid not only in the VVO but throughout Germany on regional trains, S-Bahn trains, trams, buses and on many ferries and therefore offers comprehensive mobility, not only on the way to the training centre or vocational school."

Young passengers need a customer card for the BildungsTicket. The card is available free of charge from the VVO. Once completed, it is valid until the end of the respective training programme. Information and ordering is possible at www.vvo-online.de/kundenkarte.

All information on the tickets is available at the service centres of all transport companies, by telephone on the info hotline on 0351 8526555 and in person at the VVO mobility centre. All information is available on the Internet at www.vvo-online.de.