New Government, new Chance for Public Transport?

Dear Readers,

The coalition agreement called “Responsibility for Germany” was printed before Germany’s new coalition government took up office. The 146-page document also contains key statements for our sector – some of which we would like to highlight here:

1.    Germany‘s Municipal Transport Financing Act (GVFG) is to be simplified, de-bureaucratized and “opened for innovative concepts – for example the magnetic levitation train”.

2.    For Public Transport, a modernization package is planned by the federal and state governments. Public-transport financing is to be put on a new legal footing. The “regionalization funds” are to be primarily used for regional rail passenger transportation. The coalition government aims to secure the status quo, cushion the impact of cost increases and to create scope for new transportation. Dynamization is also to be adjusted.

3.    The Deutschlandticket, Germany’s flat-rate ticket for use of local public transport nationwide, is to be continued beyond 2025. The level of user financing is to be increased gradually and in a socially responsible manner from 2029 on. 

Let‘s hope that the new German government remembers these goals – and also implements them. After all, public transport is a decisive lever for reducing the CO2 footprint and effectively counteracting climate change.

Best wishes from Oerlinghausen

Christian Schmidt
Managing Director