The Free State of Bavaria wants to further improve the environmentally and climate-friendly S-Bahn service for passengers in the greater Nuremberg area. To do this, the infrastructure must be significantly expanded.
The Free State has therefore launched a comprehensive expansion program. In addition to numerous measures that are already in the concrete planning or implementation phase, there are currently a further 31 measures that must first be examined by experts commissioned by the Free State for their transport benefits, structural feasibility and economic viability. The 31 measures were defined together with the region, including new S-Bahn stops and new S-Bahn lines, electrification, route expansions and new operating concepts. The first results of the expansion program, which have now been presented in Nuremberg, are impressive: numerous measures were rated positively.
“The first results speak for themselves and underline that we are setting the right course for the future with the “Nuremberg S-Bahn expansion program”. I am particularly pleased that the region’s commitment is being rewarded,” says Christian Bernreiter, Bavaria’s Transport Minister.
According to the assessments of the experts, numerous measures achieved a good benefit-cost ratio and were therefore recommended for further investigation. The fact that the benefits outweigh the expected costs, i.e. a ratio of at least 1.0, is a prerequisite for receiving federal funding for later implementation. The following measures were recommended for further investigation by the experts:
- Introduction of the S-Bahn to Markt Erlbach
- Introduction of the S-Bahn to Cadolzburg
- Overall concept for the West sector (overall consideration with S6 + introduction of the S-Bahn to Markt Erlbach and Cadolzburg)
- Introduction of the S-Bahn to Gräfenberg
- Introduction of S-Bahn on Nuremberg North Ring with extension of Gräfenbergbahn
- S-Bahn extension from Roth to Hilpoltstein
- new Hilpoltstein – Allersberg line
The region’s efforts have already paid off: many of the measures in the “Nuremberg S-Bahn expansion program” have been developed from ideas and suggestions from the region. The Greater Nuremberg Transport Association (VGN) in particular plays a central role here. Due to its expertise and regional knowledge, it is an important technical and communicative link between the region and the Free State.
“We can only achieve a transport turnaround with many new passengers with an efficient and attractive transport system. We win over people switching from cars to public transport primarily through performance and quality. That is why it is important to further expand the rail network in our region to S-Bahn standards. We thank the Free State for setting decisive course with its expansion program for the Nuremberg S-Bahn,” says Andreas Mäder , Managing Director of the Greater Nuremberg Transport Association.
Measures that are rated positively must be planned in more detail. According to the Basic Law, the federal government is responsible for the expansion and new construction of the rail infrastructure, but it does not do this sufficiently. In order to make progress here, the Free State will make advance payments in the planning within the scope of its possibilities.
“The positive results are a great signal for the region and show many sensible options for the further development of the S-Bahn. However, this requires considerable investment in the infrastructure. Due to the economic situation and the tense situation on the market, we must use the available funds carefully. In addition, the federal government must quickly implement its current projects in the requirements plan for the federal railways. Significant improvements in the S-Bahn service are based on these central federal projects,” says Minister Bernreiter.
“A strong and reliable S-Bahn is a central pillar of everyday mobility in the greater Nuremberg area. We are continuously improving the Nuremberg S-Bahn network with the support of the Free State. This means that even more people can use the environmentally friendly rail network. Our focus at Deutsche Bahn is very clear: we must renovate and modernize the rail network, which is too old and prone to failure. We will make the rail network better in the coming years – with a clear strategy and a fixed timetable. Because a reliable railway is important for our country, the climate and for every individual,” added Heiko Büttner , Deutsche Bahn’s representative for Bavaria.
The results of the “Nuremberg S-Bahn expansion program” presented in the dialogue forum are available on the website of the Bavarian State Ministry for Housing, Construction and Transport under Rail infrastructure – Bavarian State Ministry for Housing, Construction and Transport (bayern.de).
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