Stadtbahn Ludwigsburg: Hope for modern local transport from 2031!

Stadtbahn Ludwigsburg: Hope for modern local transport from 2031!

In the district of Ludwigsburg, a lot is happening in terms of mobility. Michael Ilk, Managing Director of the Zweckverband Stadtbahn, is optimistic about the planned light rail, which is due to relieve traffic from 2031. Despite political resistance, he remains convinced that the light rail is the key to modern, powerful and environmentally friendly local transport in the region. The current situation is anything but fairytale: overcrowded buses and constant traffic jams present the travelers a day of challenges.

The light rail will be traveling with its own routes and thus promises faster and, above all, more reliable connections. A planned connection between Markgröningen and Ludwigsburg should start as a preliminary operation, while further routes to Schwieberdingen and Pattonville are being planned. An information plan that should not be underestimated: The first construction phase is estimated at around 180 million euros, with the city and district only bearing around 10 % of the costs. The rest of the big funding rates come about that promise financial relief.

challenges and concerns

But not everything runs according to plan. The Ludwigsburger FDP has commented critically and demands an exit from the project in order not to increase the daycare fees. ILK explains that the federal government's funding is earmarked and that an exit would not bring any advantages for municipal households. The Federation of the Independent Extremes concerned voices about possible losses in sales through construction work. However, ILK takes the concerns seriously and promises to carry out the construction work in sections so as not to put a strain on traffic.

Another topic that drives the planners is the overcrowded train station in Ludwigsburg, where a planned support could be difficult. An alternative route via Friedrichstrasse with an underpass under the B27 has therefore been considered. The long route of the light rail project includes Möglingen, Ludwigsburg and Remseck-Waldingen, and the course for this ambitious projects have already been set.

financing details and outlook

In order to check the economic feasibility of the project, a cost-benefit analysis is currently underway. This analysis is part of the standardized assessment, a prerequisite for the application for funding. The comprehensive assessment should take into account construction and operating costs as well as long-term advantages, such as traffic and CO2 relief. After a successful completion, the money can be started.

The funding is high: with a reactivation there is 90 % of the federal government, and at least 75 % for new buildings. In this way, citizens in this country can prepare for a cost sharing of only about 4 % to 10 %. Construction could start this decade, while the first trips are to take place in the early 2030s. ILK sees a possible citizens' decision a chance to win the population with valid arguments for the project and is already looking forward to the first ride on the new light rail.

The next steps are now launched. District Administrator Dietmar Allgaier emphasized the importance of the project for future mobility. So it will be interesting to see how things develop and whether the light rail will soon roll on the tracks.

For those who want to learn more about the background, on [LKZ] (https://www.lkz.de/lokales/stadt-ludwigsburg_artikel ,-michanel-stadtbahn-ist-schluesser-Nahverkehr-im-kreis-ludwigsburg-_arid.832427.html) and district Ludwigsburg.