Faster trains in the Allgäu: Young Union calls for urgent measures!

Faster trains in the Allgäu: Young Union calls for urgent measures!

In the Allgäu, political actors are pushing for urgent measures to improve local public transport (ÖPNV). In an exchange with state parliament member Andreas Kaufmann, the Junge Union Ostallgäu (JU) discussed concepts to defuse the situation in regional transport. With a failure rate of 14.5 percent, public transport in the Allgäu has the highest rate in Bavaria. This circumstance not only causes dissatisfaction, but also an urgent need for action. Jakob Stocker-Böck, the JU district chairman, and his deputies Simon Haslach and Nico Rascher found out about possible solutions and current projects in Marktoberdorf that are intended to improve mobility in the region.

“We need faster connections, cheaper tariffs and a functioning offer for everyone,” said Stocker-Böck during the discussions. An important point on the agenda is the development of an Allgäu transport association. The JU is also examining the possibility of connecting to the Munich Transport and Tariff Association (MVV). These measures are intended to help increase the attractiveness and reliability of public transport.

Current challenges in rail transport

The levers that require patience are varied. According to allgaeuhit.de, the reliability of rail transport in the Allgäu will continue to deteriorate in 2024. The punctuality rate is only 85.3 percent - a decline from 87 percent in the previous year, which paints an alarming picture overall. A shortage of skilled workers and a dilapidated infrastructure mean that 47 percent of all delays in Bavaria can be attributed to infrastructural problems. Transport Minister Christian Bernreiter is therefore calling for more investment in rural railway lines.

Kaufmann also spoke about two large projects that are important for the region: the electrification of the railway line between Füssen and Buchloe and the four-track expansion between Pasing and Fürstenfeldbruck. These projects could significantly improve the punctuality of regional trains. JU deputy Haslach pointed out that concrete financing commitments are necessary in order to quickly implement the planned projects.

The importance of sustainable mobility

The VDV emphasizes how important local public transport is for sustainable mobility. The VDV member companies currently transport around 26 million passengers in Germany every day. Conversely, public transport saves around 18 million car journeys every day and thus contributes to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. These numbers speak for themselves - public transport is not only an alternative for citizens, but also an important component in the fight against climate change.

In addition to the ecological balance, a study shows that the sustainable mobility industry in Germany generates added value of around 118 billion euros and more than 1.7 million employees are active in this sector. This means that public transport is not only environmentally friendly, but also an economic factor that combines quality of life and mobility.

The need for action is clear: The Junge Union Ostallgäu plans to actively intervene in the debate about local transport and formulate clear expectations of politicians, administration and transport companies. Only with a joint effort can public transport in the Allgäu convince people in the long term and improve it sustainably.