Too old, too dilapidated and too many emissions – the German Association of Cities wants more money from the federal government to expand local transport. Up to 60 billion euros are needed. The government also needs to make improvements to the Germany ticket.
According to the wishes of the German Association of Cities, more people should use buses and trains. But for this to happen, the offer must become more attractive, said Markus Lewe, President of the German Association of Cities and Mayor of Münster – and is calling for additional billions. There needs to be a “real boost in investment,” said the CDU politician.
The cities’ plans include modern buses and trains that run more frequently and cover additional networks. In addition, the fleets must become emission-free in order to be able to meet the climate targets by 2030, emphasizes the President of the Association of Cities.
City Day holds Billions in investments for necessary
According to Lewe, the costs for the modernization are between 40 and 60 billion euros – “but the federal government is still silent about how this will be financed and what contribution it will make. This is a real problem,” criticized the President of the Association of Cities.
The association criticizes that the current level of local public transport cannot even be maintained with the funds currently available. Among other things, the cities are demanding an annual payment of three instead of the current one billion euros from the federal government to the municipalities from 2027. There is also a need for start-up financing for more climate-neutral drives in public transport and more so-called regionalization funds. The term describes the money that the federal government makes available to the federal states for the operation of buses and trains.
Long-term financing of the Germany tickets
Shortly after the decision to make the 49-euro ticket a 58-euro ticket, Lewe also demanded a commitment to the Germany ticket, as was said after a presidium meeting of the city association in Straubing, Bavaria. The additional nine euros were enough for the time being, but there is no cost certainty for 2026.
“The Germany ticket is a nationwide ticket, wanted and started by the federal government. The federal government cannot subsequently get a slim foot in terms of financing, 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”.