As authorized signatory Christian Höglmeier and project manager Florian Czerny, both from AVG, explained, the milestone plan is fundamentally plausible. Preliminary operation of the Markgröningen - Ludwigsburg line ("Markgröninger Bahn") could take place as early as the 2028 timetable change, while the entire light rail network could be commissioned by the 2032 timetable change. Höglmeier and Czerny emphasized that an early decision on the electrification of the preliminary operation and the entire network was necessary. The experts concluded that the timetable was ambitious, but realistic from AVG's point of view.
Allgaier had previously pointed out that the Ludwigsburg light rail system is based on the reactivation of the Markgröninger Bahn and the realization of the inner city branches to Ludwigsburg-Schlösslesfeld and Ludwigsburg-Oßweil in accordance with the so-called Mitfall 1. The current resolution of the valid communication paper of the project partner municipalities and the State Ministry of Transport applies. "AVG has checked the plausibility of our milestone plan and provided us with important information on implementation based on its experience from other projects," stated Allgaier and emphasized: "This is a good basis for the upcoming work of the Zweckverband Stadtbahn im Landkreis Ludwigsburg and the new managing director Mr. von Meißner."
Frank von Meißner said: "We have created a good basis with the milestone plan. Now it is important that everyone pulls together so that the ambitious schedule can be met." On behalf of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, Head of Division Michael Öhmann stated: "We are delighted that the district of Ludwigsburg is so committed to driving forward the reactivation of the Ludwigsburg - Markgröningen line and the entire light rail project. This is an important contribution to the climate-friendly transport transition and to strengthening local public transport. The state is therefore emphatically supporting the project and we wish it every success as it moves forward."
The district administrator and chairman of the special-purpose association also addressed the ongoing processes surrounding the project with reference to the timetable. He reported that negotiations are underway with representatives of the railroad company regarding the leasing of the Markgröningen railroad. The contract to accompany the tender for the planning services had been awarded. For the new standardized evaluation, the adaptation to the new process description is being prepared. "I consider this to be an important next step. It is very important that we find pragmatic solutions so that we can get started quickly with individual parts." Following the announcement of the new standardized assessment, a coordination meeting will be held with the state at the federal funding agency.
