Germany is launching an affordable public transit offer that aims to encourage people to use public transportation and reduce car usage. Starting Monday, individuals can purchase the Deutschland-Ticket for just €49 ($54) per month, granting them unlimited access to city buses, subways, and trams in all municipalities across the country. This initiative sets a new benchmark for affordable public transit globally and puts pressure on Berlin to ensure its success.

The ticket also covers local and regional trains, excluding faster intercity services, as the focus is on redirecting short-distance travel. With this ticket, travelers can explore various destinations, including the shores of Lake Constance on the Swiss border and Hamburg's harbor on the North Sea. The cost of the ticket is less than the price of a daily espresso.

\MORE INFO: Bloomberg

\IMAGES FROM: Bloomberg Photographer: Sean Gallup/Getty Images