The meeting dealt with the application by the city of Ludwigsburg to reduce the plans for the construction of a light rail line to the section between Markgröningen and Ludwigsburg station that is to be reactivated. The majority of the association meeting rejected the application from the city of Ludwigsburg.
Although benefits outweigh costs, project threatens to be thwarted
"What began in 2022 with great unity and confidence is now in danger of being thwarted," emphasized Allgaier. "The project is too important to be abandoned lightly - for the mobility transition, for the climate targets and for the quality of life of the entire region." The benefits of the project are clearly demonstrated by the standardized evaluation: The overall economic benefits clearly exceed the costs. The federal and state governments have renewed their funding commitments and signaled that they will continue to generously support the construction and operation of the light rail system. Planning is well advanced and the planning approval for the first section was scheduled for summer 2026.
LUCIE stands for sustainable mobility
Jens Hübner, Deputy Chairman of the light rail association and Mayor of Markgröningen, emphasized: "The LUCIE light rail system is a key infrastructure project for the entire district and the municipalities involved because it creates efficient, climate-friendly mobility and relieves the growing traffic problems in the long term. Even in financially challenging times, this pioneering infrastructure project should be maintained. We would like to see clarity as soon as possible in order to 'get the train on track'. As part of the inter-municipal network, we would like to see the Markgröningen train station open as soon as possible and are always available for further constructive discussions." Kornwestheim's Lord Mayor Nico Lauxmann said: "The Stadtbahn special purpose association is designed for long-term and reliable municipal cooperation. The aim was and is to achieve a sustainable improvement in public transport from Schwieberdingen to Pattonville with the LUCIE light rail system. I remain committed to this. As long as not all partners are committed to connecting Pattonville, we have placed a block on project-related expenditure in the 2026 business plan - in my view, this is a responsible use of taxpayers' money. We are always happy to engage in discussions to find a viable solution in the interests of the overall project." The First Mayor of Remseck, Jo Triller, added: "We are still convinced by the project. It is important not only to rely on buses as a means of public transport in the Ludwigsburg district, but also to have a high-quality rail connection to Pattonville and the Hornbach stop. This connection is a very important step towards sustainable mobility in the district of Ludwigsburg."
Efficient rail system brings necessary relief
In his statement, Dietmar Allgaier, Chairman of the Zweckverband, warned against limiting the discussion to short-term aspects. In view of constantly rising population figures, growing traffic volumes and increasing congestion on the road infrastructure, only an efficient rail system can provide the necessary relief. "LUCIE is the backbone of climate-friendly mobility in the district," continued the district administrator and chairman of the special-purpose association.
Allgaier is also critical of the approach taken by the city of Ludwigsburg: "The motion to initiate the 'necessary steps' to implement the municipal council resolution leaves open what is actually meant by this. We expect clarity about the city's further intentions."
A unique opportunity
The Zweckverband Stadtbahn appeals to the city of Ludwigsburg to reconsider its decision and continue along the path it has taken together with its partner municipalities - in the interests of the entire region and future generations.
