Following the environmental bonus: Almost 750 people give up their car - Frankfurt pays residents to ditch their cars for public transport

Frankfurt has introduced a new scheme to motivate residents to dispose of their cars. In exchange for scrapping, selling, or donating a combustion-engine vehicle, participants receive a free one-year Deutschlandticket. The program began in August 2024 and has already attracted nearly 750 residents.

The initiative targets Frankfurt residents aged 18 or older who have surrendered a car within the last five months. To qualify, they must not have registered a new vehicle in the 12 months before applying or during the ticket's validity period. City officials hope the scheme will reduce street parking and car dependency.

Early results show a shift in travel habits. Before joining, 26 percent of participants mainly relied on cars for transport. After receiving the ticket, that figure dropped to just 7 percent.

Frankfurt's program follows a similar scrappage scheme in Marburg, which was later paused due to budget constraints. Unlike Marburg, Frankfurt's version focuses on offering public transport access rather than direct cash incentives.

The pilot project has drawn significant interest since its launch. With nearly 750 participants already signed up, the city expects fewer parked cars on its streets. The scheme's long-term impact on traffic and transport habits will become clearer as more residents join.