Cologne and Rhein-Erft-Kreis: New Stadtbahn line plans Grünen Verkehrweg!

Cologne and Rhein-Erft-Kreis: New Stadtbahn line plans Grünen Verkehrweg!

Mobility in the Cologne area takes shape: The city of Cologne and the Rhein-Erft district have large plans to extend the light rail line 4. A route is planned that leads from Cologne-Bocklemünd via Cologne-Widdersdorf, Pulheim-Brauweiler to Bergheim-Niederaußem. The project aims to improve the connection of the surrounding municipalities and to promote the sustainable turnover of traffic, which is also to be understood as a response to increasing needs through initiatives such as the nine euro ticket. This was also underlined by lindweiler.de.

Before the construction machines can roll, there is still an important hurdle: a feasibility study that should determine the economic benefits of the project. The Rhein-Erft district has already taken over the lead on this matter, and the district council voted on March 20, 2025. The Cologne administration plans to present the draft resolution on June 24, 2025 in the traffic committee. Cost of the study: around 222,000 euros, with 60% of which are borne by the Rhein-Erft district and 40% by the city of Cologne.

public funding for sustainable mobility

A ray of hope: Thanks to extensive funding, the expansion of the infrastructure could become considerably cheaper. Bundestags are to reduce the total costs by up to 90%, such as [Land.nrw] (https://www.land.nrw/Pressemitteigung/nachthaltigigen-mobilitaet-land-foerdert-planung- von-stadt- und-Eisenbahn-projekt-mit). Around 60 million euros will be provided by the North Rhine-Westphalia Ministry of the Environment and Transport to promote such projects. This aims above all to strengthen public transport (public transport) and to promote the climate goals.

Oliver Krischer, Minister of the Environment and Transport, has highlighted the importance of an effective public transport. He sees the current initiative as crucial to master the challenges of mobility and to sensitize people to different traffic alternatives. In particular, feasibility studies such as the tram extension ensure that such projects are on solid feet.

integration of communities

A planning office is commissioned for the implementation of the planned feasibility study, which must also develop a concept for public participation. Here, citizens should be included in the process, for example through surveys and exchange formats. This form of co -determination is crucial to build trust and increase acceptance for such large infrastructure projects.

But what does that mean for the future of mobility in our cities? The Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport (BMDV) indicates that it is not only about the expansion of existing infrastructure, but also about the development of new concepts for mobility as a whole. After all, today's Germans use cars for almost half of their ways, while public transport is still used for every tenth way. The urgently needed alternatives must therefore be encouraged and developed.

Overall, this project shows that the city of Cologne and the Rhein-Erft district are actively working on promoting the mobility transition. With a good plan, clever integration of citizens and sufficient financial support, the new light rail line could soon become a reality. The next few years will be exciting - and that's just the beginning.