Cologne's Line 4: Planned extension brings citizen participation!

Cologne's Line 4: Planned extension brings citizen participation!

The Cologne transport company (KVB) is planning an exciting expansion of its line 4. In the future, this will be extended not only to Bergheim-Glessen, but to Bergheim-Niederaussem. A corresponding resolution was passed on March 20, 2025 in the district council of the Rhein-Erft district, which is now primarily responsible for the implementation of the project. Loud Express The aim is to determine a positive economic benefit, which should be done through a feasibility study.

The planned route will run from Cologne-Bocklemünd via the districts of Widdersdorf and Pulheim-Brauweiler to Niederaussem. It is important to both municipalities to include residents and transport companies such as REVG, KVB and goRheinland in the planning in order to create the broadest possible acceptance. In this regard, a concept for public participation is being developed by the responsible planning office, which should also include citizen surveys and exchange formats. This reports Radio Erft.

Funding and Commitments

The feasibility of this transport connection is being investigated through a study, for which the costs will be around 500,000 euros. The Rhein-Erft district covers around 60% and the city of Cologne 40% of the costs, around 222,000 euros. In order to further reduce the financial burden, additional funding is being sought. An application for the federal government's STARK program, which supports coal phase-out projects, will also be submitted. This funding could reduce the cost of financing the study by up to 90%.

The results of the feasibility study are expected in around three years, which means that the actual expansion of the tram has now been significantly delayed. Nevertheless, the two responsible administrations see a positive development that could improve connections for citizens in the region in the long term.

A look into the future

At a time when public transport is becoming increasingly important, it is to be hoped that this initiative not only promotes mobility but also offers environmentally friendly alternatives. Comprehensive financing of local public transport could serve as a model in other cities. A study by the Senate Department for the Environment, Transport and Climate Protection in Berlin shows that innovative financing models such as a citizen ticket or a city toll can bring tangible benefits. These aspects must also be considered for Cologne in the future in order to ensure sustainable transport development that also takes social impacts into account, such as Berlin Senate Administration emphasized in their analysis.

Finally, it remains to be hoped that the planned feasibility study will go well and that the first steps towards the further expansion of KVB line 4 will soon become a reality. The frequency of citizens in the region could benefit significantly, making cycling and using public transport even more attractive.