The cost-benefit analysis is also part of the standardized assessment."There is always a rumour circulating that the cost-benefit analysis has been forgotten. However, this is not true," says Michael Ilk, Managing Director of the special-purpose association. "Rather, the analysis is an important step in the planning phase and part of the standardized assessment that is currently underway. However, the prerequisites must be in place before this assessment can take place. This was the case at the beginning of this year with the preliminary planning and cost estimate. Unfortunately, time delays cannot be avoided in such a large project - partly because we are dependent on the input of external offices."
Funding is approved following a successful cost-benefit analysis
The cost-benefit analysis is crucial for assessing the economic viability of the light rail project and applying for funding. It takes into account both the financial expenditure for the construction and operation of the light rail system as well as the long-term benefits, such as relieving road traffic, reducing CO2 emissions and improving the quality of life for citizens. If the economic viability is demonstrated accordingly, funding can be approved.
Further steps running in parallel
In addition to the standardized assessment, further investigations are required for the planning approval, such as the environmental impact assessment. This ensures that the project complies with environmental standards. Once these investigations have been completed, the planning approval procedure will take around two years.
District Administrator Allgaier: Light rail ensures mobility of the future
"If we want to get the mobility of the future off the ground today, we need staying power," says District Administrator Dietmar Allgaier, Chairman of the special-purpose association. "With the construction of the light rail network from Schwieberdingen via Markgröningen, Möglingen, Ludwigsburg to Pattonville and Remseck-Aldingen, the district will have a means of transport that will ensure sustainable mobility for current and future generations - at all levels: economically, ecologically and socially."
Prospects for high funding are good
The prospects for the funding rates for the light rail project are very good: in the event of reactivation, 90 percent will be funded by the federal government and 57.5 percent of the remaining amount by the state of Baden-Württemberg. "This results in a total rate of almost 96 percent," explains Managing Director Ilk. For the construction of a new line, 75 percent is funded by the federal government and 57.5 percent of the remaining amount by the state. "This gives us a funding rate of just under 90 percent of the actual costs incurred. In addition, the current signals from the federal government suggest that the good funding framework will be maintained in the future."
Construction to begin before the end of this decade - start of operations at the beginning of the 2030s
Following the end of the planning approval process and the associated approval, construction work is expected to be put out to tender in 2028. "We expect the tendering and construction to take around three years," Ilk continues. "This means that construction will start before the end of this decade and light rail operations will begin in the early 2030s."
