[MattPalmer1086]

That is one perspective. Another is that it creates wider value than it costs by freeing up travel options for more people.

I don't know what the right balance is, but I do know it's not necessarily as simple as asking if all transport costs are met at the point of travel.

[mytailorisrich]

Does it really free up more travel options? Is public transport so expensive in Germany?

Even if it does provide more travel options, does that provide more value than it costs? I think that this is straightforward to answer.

I ask the same questions every time the topic pops up because all the praises in the comment tend to boils down to "it's good because it's cheaper". Sure everyone likes cheaper but that is not really a convincing argument.

[MattPalmer1086]

I'm not sure it's primarily about cheaper than fixed. Because it fixes travel costs, your opportunity to go do something else increases. Some people will travel more and some less.