Unions Advocate for Creation of Public Transport Infrastructure Financing Fund

Investment fund requested for enhancement of public transportation infrastructure - Encourage financing for the improvement of public transportation systems

A nationwide public transport investment fund is being advocated by various authorities, political parties, and organisations, including the trade union Verdi and the Climate Alliance. The fund, financed from stable tax sources, aims to provide municipalities with long-term planning for infrastructure projects and vehicle procurement.

The current financing of public transport in Germany is fragmented, burdening municipalities and employees. This inefficiency is characterised by high administrative costs and lack of planning security, making long-term development of public transport offers difficult.

According to a recent study, a significant increase in financing is needed for the expansion of offers, better working conditions, and long-term modernization. The estimated financial requirement for the year 2045 ranges from 39 to 54 billion euros. This figure includes the permanent financing of the Germany ticket.

The proposal includes bundling existing funds into a clear and transparent financing system. This system would enable municipalities to reliably tackle modernizations and expansions. Student transport, currently treated separately, is suggested to be integrated into the public transport financing system.

Jonas Becker, the Climate Alliance's mobility expert, stated that with the proposed financing plan, the expansion and modernization of bus and rail can begin. Becker emphasised that public transport is crucial for the economy, social participation, and climate protection. He called on Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU) to implement the modernization pact agreed in the coalition agreement.

Without the demanded financing reform, there is a risk of reduced public transport offers. The authors of the study suggest that necessary reforms of the regionalisation law and the local transport financing law are needed for the successful implementation of the investment fund.

The demand to establish a nationwide investment fund for public transport involves authorities, political parties, and organisations such as transport associations, environmental groups, and possibly federal or state government bodies responsible for transportation policy in Germany.

Millions of people rely on bus and rail daily for work, education, and social participation. By investing in public transport, Germany can ensure mobility in cities and the countryside, promote sustainability, and boost economic growth.