Red alert: Municipalities demand higher funding for public transport in Lower Saxony!

Red alert: Municipalities demand higher funding for public transport in Lower Saxony!

In Lower Saxony, the signs for local public transport (ÖPNV) are on red alert. Local government associations, transport associations and authorities handed over an urgent “5-point appeal” to the state of Lower Saxony on July 3, 2025. This is aimed primarily at Prime Minister Stephan Weil and Transport Minister Olaf Lies and is intended to showcase the urgently needed financial support for buses and trains. The situation is serious: existing offerings are at risk, while operating costs are rising and numerous expansion projects are stalling. The Osterholz district, for example, invests almost 75 euros per resident in public transport, while the state of Lower Saxony only contributes around 15 euros - this is the lowest value in the country.

The appeal itself formulates five central demands. The top priority is the need for better financing in order to create a lasting perspective for public transport. In addition, there is a demand for the Deutschlandticket to be anchored in law in order to secure costs in the long term and to simplify billing. A comprehensive overall public transport concept by 2030, which provides for integrated bus-rail systems and customer-friendly transfer facilities, is also on the list. Finally, the associations advocate an increase in state funding to at least 50 euros per capita per year by 2028 and simplified billing with dynamic payments to cover rising operating costs.

Alarming forecasts and urgent need for action

In his statement, Ralf Sygusch, director of the Greater Braunschweig Regional Association, emphasizes the increasingly urgent need to provide more money for local transport. The financial resources for public transport have noticeably worsened in recent years. The lack of convincing offers, especially in rural regions, is another problem for those responsible. “Public transport is the key to the mobility transition and to creating equal living conditions between cities and rural areas,” says Marco Trips, President of the Association of Cities and Municipalities.

For Hubert Meyer, general manager of the Lower Saxony District Council, it is clear: Lower Saxony finally needs a lasting commitment to strengthening local public transport. In the last two years, the Osterholz district has significantly expanded its offering, known as Osterholz-Takt. Despite increasing passenger numbers and positive development, the costs for the district are high and represent a challenge. Advertisement Publisher reports that the appeal is supported by various transport associations and regional associations in order to send a strong signal for the future of mobility.

Ensuring the economic stability of public transport

But what happens next? The initiative on the future of public transport goes beyond the pure financial appeal. How on vdv.de It is emphasized that securing long-term financing is essential. This also means that the federal and state governments must develop new funding and financing instruments in order to meet the growing requirements. Alternative drives and the necessary decarbonization of drives also play a crucial role. The increasing costs of operation and investment are also a result of the expanded offerings and the increase in passenger numbers, which increases the staff and vehicle requirements.

Finally, it remains to be said: time is running out. If public transport in Lower Saxony is not strengthened as quickly as possible, we run the risk of not only losing a proven system, but also endangering equivalent mobility. Omnibus review states that the associations are tirelessly campaigning for a significant improvement in the financial situation - the future of public transport is in the balance and a strong voice for change is needed.