The German Association of Cities wants more money from the federal and state governments for local transport. In addition, the Deutschlandticket “finally” needs a long-term financing concept.
German cities want additional billions for buses, trains and the Deutschlandticket. “We have to make it as attractive as possible for people to switch from their own cars to public transport,” said Markus Lewe, President of the Association of German Cities, after a presidium meeting in Straubing, Bavaria. The Mayor of Münster therefore called on the federal government to do its part to ensure a “real investment boost” in public transport.
Specifically, the Association of German Cities called on the federal government to “finally launch” the announced expansion and modernization pact for local public transport (ÖPNV) and to increase the funds from the Municipal Transport Financing Act from one billion euros today to three billion euros per year from 2027. In addition, there is a need for start-up funding for more climate-neutral drives in local public transport, more regionalization funds and long-term secured financing of the Germany ticket.
Costs between 40 and 60 billion euros
The cities want to invest in modern buses and trains, shorter cycle times, more attractive networks and emission-free fleets. This is necessary in order to meet the climate targets by 2030 and double passenger numbers, said Lewe. The costs for this are between 40 and 60 billion euros – “but the federal government remains silent about how this is to be financed and what contribution it is making. This is a real problem.”
Lewe stressed that we cannot wait until after the next federal election to continue talking about expanding public transport. “There is hardly any time left now to consistently tackle the goals for 2030.”
Commitment to the Deutschlandticket required
Shortly after the decision to change the 49-euro ticket to the 58-euro ticket, Lewe also called for a commitment to the Deutschlandticket, as it is officially called. For the time being, the additional nine euros would be enough, but there is no certainty for 2026. “The Deutschlandticket is a nationwide ticket, wanted and launched by the federal government. The federal government cannot get away with financing it afterwards, it has to get back on board and continue to co-finance the ticket,” said Lewe. A long-term financing concept is needed for the “successful project”.
Source: Stern
