Public transport: states are demanding billions from the federal government for local transport

Public transport: states are demanding billions from the federal government for local transport

When it comes to more money from the federal government for local public transport, the federal states work closely together. Everyone is voting for a bill that calls for billions more. In short: no climate protection without a traffic turnaround, no traffic turnaround without the expansion of local public transport.

In the fight against climate change, the federal states are demanding significantly more money from the federal government for the expansion of local public transport from next year.

According to a unanimous decision of the conference of transport ministers on Tuesday, the regionalization funds are to be increased annually from 2022 to 2030 by an additional 1.5 billion euros compared to the previous year.

This would result in an additional contribution of 13.5 billion euros for 2030. In total, the regionalization funds in 2030 would then be 24.55 billion euros.

“Climate change is in full swing,” said the chairman of the conference of transport ministers, Bremen’s Senator Maike Schaefer (Greens). The goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees must be met urgently. “The traffic turnaround is an important component here, and well-functioning and attractive public transport is part of this component.” Despite all the acknowledgment of the performance to date by the federal government, one thing is certain: “That is not enough to ultimately achieve the climate targets.”

Federal Transport Minister Andreas Scheuer is critical of the state demands. “We all want attractive and strong public transport,” emphasized the CSU politician. That is why he successfully fought for a massive increase in federal funds. “As part of the climate package alone, we have provided an additional 5.2 billion euros by 2031. With our Corona aid package, another 3.5 billion euros were added. The federal government has delivered, and quickly and substantially. ” Massive debts to the detriment of the federal government alone would be irresponsible.

Several state ministers made it clear that the sums mentioned would have to be taken into account by a future federal government and some kind of coalition after the federal election. “It is not the beginning of a negotiation, and then we let ourselves be negotiated down to half and are still happy,” said NRW Transport Minister Hendrik Wüst (CDU). “We need this money.” Otherwise the necessary contribution to climate protection could not be made.

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