The German Association of Cities and Municipalities (DStGB) has issued a stark warning to the federal government, alleging a critical failure to uphold commitments regarding the financing of public transportation (ÖPNV). André Berghegger, CEO of the DStGB, voiced his concerns in an interview with the “Rheinische Post” highlighting a situation where existing funding budgets are severely oversubscribed, putting essential infrastructure projects – vital for expansion, construction and the repair of dilapidated ÖPNV systems – at serious risk of cancellation.
The association specifically criticized the recent draft proposals from the government, which include the introduction of new funding eligibility for magnetic levitation (Maglev) trains without a corresponding increase in overall financial resources. This move, according to Berghegger, demonstrates a “completely incomprehensible” prioritization that undermines existing and urgent needs.
Adding to the mounting pressure, the planned Modernization Pact for local transport remains stalled, despite comprehensive data already being available. Berghegger underscored the imperative for both the federal government and state authorities to acknowledge their responsibility and provide reliable financing for the maintenance and modernization of local transport systems within cities and municipalities.
The criticism follows a parliamentary inquiry by the Green Party and subsequent reporting by the “Rheinische Post”. The federal government’s response, as revealed, indicates no current plans for increased financial support for ÖPNV. Instead, officials point to increases already approved in 2019 under the climate protection program. Progress on a new legal framework for ÖPNV funding, promised in the coalition agreement and central to the Modernization Pact, also remains unresolved.
Victoria Broßart, Green Party member of the Bundestag, condemned the government’s approach, stating that municipalities are demonstrably struggling financially, directly impacting their ability to invest in necessary improvements and even the basic maintenance of public transport. She accused the government of ignoring this reality and limiting funding to the legally mandated minimum under the Municipal Transport Financing Act (GVFG). Broßart characterized the situation as brazen, suggesting the planned Modernization Pact is poised to become yet another unfulfilled promise under the Merz government. The impasse raises serious questions about the government’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure and potentially undermines its climate action goals.
