In a recent contribution to the “FAZ”, Ingo Wortmann, President of the Association of German Transport Companies (VDV), urged the federal government to apply the funds from the special account decisively to modernise public transport.
He argued that the money should be directed to its intended purpose-“the expansion, upgrading and decarbonisation of public transport and rail”. The budget was created for exactly that, and the credibility of political action will ultimately be judged on how well this goal is met.
Wortmann pointed out a persistent gap between the coalition contract’s promises and the current reality. When independent economic institutes conclude that only a limited portion of the money is actually invested in a purpose‑fit manner, that signals eroding confidence in political decisions, threatens the nation’s performance, undermines citizens’ quality of life, and jeopardises the attainment of climate targets.
Public transport and rail are not peripheral; they are central to the public service network and a critical lever for national modernisation. The VDV represents around 700 bus, tram and rail operators across Germany.
“The special account does not justify itself through existence but through its impact” Wortmann said. The industry is ready to take responsibility, invest, and expand capacities, but it requires a political framework that makes implementation possible.
Accordingly, the VDV laid out five concrete measures to target existing resources more effectively:
1. Provide immediate financial assistance for local transport.
2. Secure stable route‑price funding.
3. Accelerate the transition to cleaner bus propulsion.
4. Expand flexibility within the Municipal Transport Financing Act to support local investment.
5. Direct federal and municipal infrastructure funds explicitly towards public transport.
