Thuringia's Transport Minister, Susanna Karawanskij from the Left Party, has put forth an ambitious plan to revolutionize local rail transport in the region. Her goal? To make public transport more enticing with pocket-friendly fares, boost passenger numbers by a staggering 100% by 2030, and contribute significantly to climate protection.
Many residents complain about the lack of easy access to their homes via bus and train services, a problem the Minister aims to address. To provide a solid foundation for improvements, she proposes a "rail infrastructure master plan." However, this would require additional financial backing from the state budget over the coming years.
Currently, Thuringia boasts an extensive rail network of 1,600 kilometers, but its electrification level falls short of the national average. This under-electrification hinders the decarbonization of rail transport. A recent expert report proposes reactivating eight abandoned rail lines, which could significantly contribute to this decarbonization effort.
One method to spur growth in rail travel is by investing in modern trains, such as Stadler Trains with combined power systems. On a global scale, modernizing infrastructure and digitalizing signaling systems has proven effective in enhancing efficiency and reducing delays, ultimately boosting passenger satisfaction.
Thuringia could also electrify its rail lines, promoting the use of electric trains. This would significantly decrease carbon emissions and could be complemented by creating smart grids that facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources in rail operations.
Public engagement and participation are key to ensuring the rail transport improvements align with the community's expectations and priorities. Establishing citizens' assemblies, implementing car sharing services with remote control, and developing comprehensive climate action plans are all potential strategies for achieving this objective.
Strategic partnerships with local municipalities and the inclusion of sustainable transport solutions can help streamline the integration of rail transport improvements with urban planning goals.
By implementing these recommendations, Thuringia can not only transform its local rail transport but also succeed in its ambitious objectives: to double passenger numbers and significantly reduce its carbon emissions in rail travel by 2030.
