Cost breakdown unveiled for the Lucie's operations following criticism
The planned Stadtbahn Lucie, set to connect Markgröningen, Ludwigsburg, and Remseck-Pattonville, faces potential challenges due to high and uncertain operating costs. The state government of Baden-Württemberg has indicated that it will provide operating cost subsidies, but these subsidies will only cover part of the route.
According to Ludwigsburg's Mayor Matthias Knecht, the continued existence of the consortium responsible for the reactivation project is dependent on the Stadtbahn route including a stop at the station. The consortium expects around 10,000 passengers for the Markgröningen-Ludwigsburg section of the Stadtbahn Lucie, but critics argue that this number is questionable from various sides.
The ministry has planned a budget for operating cost subsidies for all reactivation projects that come into question for up to 100 kilometers of track length. However, the subsidies will only be available for the section from Markgröningen to Ludwigsburg, not for the continuation through Ludwigsburg to Remseck-Pattonville. The ministry spokesperson states that the operating costs incurred for the continuation as an inner-city tram project will not be funded by the ministry.
The exact level of subsidies and the precise operating costs remain unclear, and a subsidy would not cover the entire stretch of the planned line. This situation contributes to doubts about the feasibility of the Stadtbahn Lucie operating along its full intended route, as the high and uncertain operating costs are a key concern among stakeholders.
If the 10,000 predicted trips are divided equally into 5,000 trips in each direction, it would mean that every fifth resident of Markgröningen and Möglingen (together about 25,000 inhabitants) would have to use the Stadtbahn regularly to meet this prediction.
The website of the purpose association does not provide a clear statement on the operating costs of the city train, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the project. The ministry has not committed to a binding funding pledge or a specific percentage for operating cost subsidies for the reactivation project Markgröningen-Ludwigsburg.
In a recent study published in the specialist journal "The Lancet Planetary Health", it was shown that food in hospitals and nursing homes can be unhealthy and harmful to the climate. This serves as a reminder that the health and environmental implications of public transportation projects should also be considered.
References: [1] Stadtbahn Lucie: Operating cost subsidies uncertain and limited. (2022, April 1). Retrieved from [URL] [2] Stadtbahn Lucie: Critics question predicted passenger numbers. (2022, April 15). Retrieved from [URL]
The uncertainty surrounding the Stadtbahn Lucie's operating costs has led to concerns within the industry, as the potential subsidies from the government may not cover the entire route, particularly for the section from Ludwigsburg to Remseck-Pattonville. The ministry's focus on financing the finance sector could also impact the finance needed for the transport infrastructure project, such as the Stadtbahn Lucie, raising questions about the project's long-term viability.
