Lohr am Main: Future of the light rail – opportunities or doubts?

Lohr am Main: Future of the light rail – opportunities or doubts?

There is currently a heated discussion in Lohr about the possible reactivation of passenger train services to the city station. The topic is causing lively discussions in the Main-Spessart district council and among citizens, as many see this as an opportunity to improve the city's connections. That's what she reports Main post that a feasibility study should be commissioned to examine the effort involved in upgrading the approximately 1.7 kilometer long railway line. The study also includes the required electrification and construction of a new platform. The total costs amount to 120,000 euros, of which the district council has already approved 60,000 euros.

Mayor Mario Paul brought up the idea of ​​reactivation a few years ago. However, he is aware that many questions remain, particularly regarding feasibility. “We urgently need more information,” emphasizes Paul. The CSU parliamentary group is skeptical and questions the benefits for the citizens of the surrounding towns. Ulla Menzel from the CSU is also skeptical, as she fears that a half-hourly service to Würzburg could have a negative impact on the settlement in Lohr.

Passenger numbers and infrastructural requirements

In an analysis, the Bavarian Railway Company (BEG) found that the railway line between Lohr train station and Lohr city has overcome the first hurdle for reactivation. This analysis predicts a demand potential of 1,560 passenger kilometers per kilometer of route length, reaching the important threshold of 1,000 passenger kilometers per kilometer, as well as the Bayern.de determines.

However, in order to realize the project, further criteria must be met. The infrastructure must be brought into an attractive condition without subsidies from the Free State, and a railway infrastructure company must be prepared to operate the route and the stations permanently. It is also necessary that the Main-Spessart district undertakes contractually to implement a coordinated bus concept.

perspectives for citizens

The benefits of reactivation could benefit the region's residents. The planned new stop would offer an hourly direct connection to Gemünden, Würzburg and Bamberg. This route could therefore make a valuable contribution to professional, student and leisure traffic. Reeling residents and pub operators may soon be able to toast the trains' comeback, as the planned station is close to shops, doctors and leisure facilities. This shows the great potential of the new connection.

With a total of 14 votes, the councilors approved the feasibility study, while some, including the CSU and Eric Schürr from the citizens' association, voted against it. The coming discussions about the concrete implementation and precise financing of this idea will remain exciting.