After the 2008 failure of the Transrapid project, Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU) is proposing a new push for magnetic‑levitation rail in Germany. He says the federal government will now fund newer, upgraded maglev trains that can compete with U‑trams and streetcars in local transit.
Schnieder’s spokesperson told the Rheinische Post that the technology is a “ready‑made and competitive alternative to conventional rail‑powered systems”. Especially in challenging topography, maglev offers advantages over other modes. This view stems from a 2021 feasibility study commissioned by former Minister Andreas Scheuer (CSU).
According to the ministry, an amendment to the Local Transport Financing Act (GVFG) is currently being coordinated within the federal cabinet to enable the promotion of “innovative approaches such as maglev” as agreed in the coalition contract. Under the law, public‑transport infrastructure projects can receive up to 90 percent federal funding. The ministry reports that roughly €2 billion will be available for this purpose in the current fiscal year.
