Local Transport Organizations Call for Substantial Funding Increase
In the heart of Lower Saxony, there's a collective grumble about the public transport woes - and these locals got a plan, alright! The three peak associations of Lower Saxony, along with transport associations, and contractors, have drawn up a five-point roadmap for enhancing Lower Saxony's public transportation system, all due to deteriorating budgets.
Their five-point appeal suggests a concerted push for shelling out 50 euros per inhabitant instead of the current 15 euros by 2028. Let's break it down:
- Permanent commitment to the Germany ticket: They want the state to establishedly back this idea, and legally secure it as well.
- A comprehensive public transport concept for Lower Saxony: This includes a state bus line network and a coordinated rail-bus network.
- Boosting offers, especially in rural areas: Here, they call for strengthening the frequency and connections.
- Sustainable vehicles: Adopting eco-friendly buses like electric or hydrogen-powered ones is on the table.
- Collaboration: Underlining the need for all stakeholders - federal government, state, municipalities, and transport associations - to work in unison for better public transport, especially in a region like Lower Saxony.
As urban president Marco Trips puts it, "Current offers on buses and trains are at risk due to the massively increased operating costs. We're now staring at cuts." Valuing public transport as "a key to a future-proof Lower Saxony" and the "decider of the success of the mobility transition," their demands urge an investment in a system much-needed for equal living conditions in both city and country and which significantly contributes to climate protection.
County council head of business, Hubert Meyer, affirmed, "All actors - federal government, state, municipalities, and transport associations - know the importance and see the necessity of a well-developed, attractive public transport."
- The proposed plan by the Lower Saxony associations calls for a shift in funding for public transportation, suggesting an increase from the current 15 euros per inhabitant to 50 euros by 2028.
- To improve the public transportation system in Lower Saxony, the plan includes a commitment to the Germany ticket, a state bus line network, and a coordinated rail-bus network.
- In rural areas, the plan aims to boost public transport offers by strengthening the frequency and connections.
- The plan also advocates for the use of sustainable transportation methods, such as electric or hydrogen-powered buses, to reduce environmental impact.
- Collaboration between all stakeholders, including the federal government, state, municipalities, and transport associations, is emphasized as essential for the success of the public transportation system in Lower Saxony.
