DB Group Representative for the State of Baden-Württemberg, Thorsten Krenz: "Deutsche Bahn is making a decisive contribution to the reactivation of the Markgröninger Bahn. Now we need to work together to implement the solution that has been found and make the leasing of the line contractually binding - for a strong railway."
Minister of Transport Winfried Hermann MdL: "It is a good sign that DB Netz has agreed to a long-term lease of the Markgröninger Bahn to the district of Ludwigsburg as part of the talks moderated by the Ministry of Transport. The district of Ludwigsburg is driving the project forward with great commitment. I am therefore convinced that the efforts to reactivate the Markgröniger Bahn are finally gaining momentum after 20 years. I wish the district every success. As a state, we will continue to provide strong support for the project."
District Administrator Dietmar Allgaier: "Together with the state of Baden-Württemberg, we have cut a major knot with regard to the reactivation we have been pushing for. We are delighted about this in close cooperation with our municipalities. I think the lease of the Markgröningen railroad is a good compromise. In the joint special-purpose association with the municipal partners, the district can exercise its competencies."
Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister of Transport and Digital Infrastructure and Member of Parliament for the Ludwigsburg constituency, Steffen Bilger: "The Federal Government is providing massive support for the expansion of the railways in order to provide attractive services for passengers and achieve the climate targets. This is why federal subsidies of 90% are available for line reactivations. As a member of parliament for the constituency, I am delighted that a viable solution for the Markgröningen line has been reached in intensive discussions, which makes it clear that the overall light rail project is now entering the implementation phase. I would like to thank everyone involved for their commitment and DB Netz AG for its willingness to lease the line."
Together, all those involved are committed to climate-friendly, sustainable local rail passenger transport in the district, taking into account the existing freight traffic. At the end of the further coordination process, the route will be taken over by the newly founded special-purpose association.
A joint press release from Deutsche Bahn, the State Ministry of Transport and the district of Ludwigsburg.
