Over two hundred twelve million euros earmarked for transportation infrastructure development in Saxony-Anhalt
Unleashing the Magdeburg/STK** Investment: Streamlining Public Transport in Saxony-Anhalt
Saxony-Anhalt's public passenger transport (ÖPNV) is all set for a transformation! Over the next two years, a massive investment program worth approximately 212 million euros will bolster the region's public transport system. "With this cash infusion, we're beefing up the public transport system, making it more appealing, and securing new passengers," stated Dr. Lydia Hüskens, Minister of Infrastructure and Digital Affairs, after a recent cabinet meeting in Magdeburg. This funding will catalyze projects fourteen times the total investment.
The investment program comprises federal and state funding. The federal government's contribution, including regional funding and allocations under the Local Transport Finance Act, amounts to roughly 136 million euros. Saxony-Anhalt chips in around 76 million euros.
Hüskens added, "We're also sparking economic growth here." The state typically provides initial funding to initiate large projects and entice significant investments to Saxony-Anhalt, all while assisting municipalities in financing their own public transport investments.
Over 270 projects will receive funding, with around 60 new projects on the horizon. Here are some examples of projects mentioned by Hüskens:
- Upgrading and expanding railway stations, such as in Berga-Kelbra, Ditfurt, Erdeborn, Güsten, Oebisfelde, and Zerbst (Anhalt)
- Improving the design and functionality of rail station surroundings in towns like Ditfurt, Fischbeck, Gräfenhainichen, Hettstedt, Kötzschau, Möser, Neinstedt, Stumsdorf, Weißenfels, and Wolmirstedt
- Refurbishing railway station buildings in Gardelegen, Magdeburg-Buckau, Magdeburg-Neustadt, Schönebeck (Elbe), and Zerbst (Anhalt)
- Enhancing the state's information system for public transport (INSA)
- Developing tramway projects in Halle and Magdeburg
- Funding public road passenger transport (ÖSPV)
- Rebuilding the MVB GmbH tram depot North
- Acquiring tram vehicles for Halle (Saale) and Magdeburg
"Mobility is about freedom. Freedom means having the true choice of transport. We aim to empower people in our country to choose all forms of mobility. To make this possible, we need well-developed infrastructures: bike paths, roads, bridges, and attractive public transport offers. This is what we're working on daily," Minister Hüskens concluded, pointing to the extensive investments on the horizon. The state's strategy aligns with its obligations in the law and the plan for public passenger transport.
Economic and social policy is being advanced in Saxony-Anhalt through the significant investment in public transportation, which includes improvements in railways, stations, and trams in various towns, as well as the development of an attractive public transportation offer. Financing for these projects comes from both federal and state sources, with the state also working to stimulate economic growth and industry by initializing large projects and encouraging substantial investments. Furthermore, the investment in public transit contributes to enhancing transportation options within the region, promoting financial investments in additional public-transit projects and transportation infrastructure, such as bike paths and roads.
