Concerns Rise Over Public Transport Decline Amid Financial Struggles
The German Association of Cities warns of a potential decline in public transport services by over ten percent due to financial constraints, urging the new Federal Minister of Transport to implement a modernization pact.
05.08.2026 – 01:00
Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger
Concerns Rise Over Public Transport Decline Amid Financial Struggles
Köln (ots)
The German Association of Cities has issued a stark warning regarding the future of public transport, predicting a significant decline in services. "We expect that nationwide, public transport offerings will decrease by more than ten percent in 2026/27," stated Christian Schuchardt, the association's chief executive, in an interview with the "Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger" (Wednesday edition). He noted that cities are already beginning to scale back their schedules, cancel entire routes, or reduce additional tourist services.
The primary reason for this impending reduction is the financial difficulties faced by municipalities. "With the currently available funds for public transport, it is no longer possible to maintain the current level of service," Schuchardt lamented. He pointed out that there is already a shortfall of 14 billion euros in the system over the next five years. The situation is exacerbated by rising track prices for regional rail services.
In light of these challenges, the association is calling on the new Federal Minister of Transport, Steffen Bilger, who has taken over from the recently dismissed Patrick Schnieder (both from the CDU), to act swiftly. The start of Bilger's tenure at the Transport Ministry is seen as an opportune moment to activate the promised modernization pact aimed at enhancing public transport services. The coalition agreement between the Union and SPD had committed to establishing a new legal framework for public transport funding and initiating a mobility pact. The regionalization funds are intended to be prioritized for local rail transport, and the coalition partners have pledged to significantly increase resources from the Municipal Transport Financing Act.
Schuchardt emphasized the need for both federal and state governments to take responsibility. The first step should be the elimination of higher track prices, which the association estimates will add an extra burden of 400 million euros annually. "Only then can the federal and state governments, along with municipalities and the industry, begin negotiations in September on the modernization pact for public transport," he concluded.
