Public transport expansion reconsideration advocated by local citizen's movement in Mainz
In a bold move, the MainzZero citizens' initiative has presented a concept paper outlining plans to transform Mainz's public transportation system, aiming to help the city meet its climate goals. The proposed changes focus on expanding and improving the public transit network to make it more attractive and accessible, encouraging people to switch from private cars to public transport.
The MainzZero initiative demands several key improvements from the city and regional transportation authorities. First, they propose extending tram and bus routes to connect residential areas, workplaces, schools, and commercial centers, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
Second, they call for increasing the frequency and reliability of public transport services, particularly during peak hours, to reduce waiting times and overcrowding.
Third, MainzZero advocates for affordable and integrated ticketing systems, simplifying travel across different modes and regions.
Fourth, they urge investments in sustainable infrastructure, prioritizing electric or zero-emission vehicles, improved stations, and user-friendly infrastructure like safe walking and cycling paths around transit hubs.
Lastly, they suggest promoting measures that discourage car use in the city centre, such as low-emission zones or decreased parking availability, to support cleaner air and more space for pedestrians and cyclists.
However, MainzZero criticizes the current plans of Mainz Mobility for expanding the tram network, proposing an alternative "Small Ring" route instead. This route would maintain connections to the main station and the region, deviating from the currently planned route via Goethestraße.
MainzZero also criticizes the current situation in regional transportation, demanding a three-track expansion of the Mainz - Gau-Algesheim line, a three- to four-track expansion of the Mainz - Frankfurt line, and an expansion of the Mainz - Alzey line to two tracks and electrification.
Armin Schulz of MainzZero states that the current line concept does not offer a real breakthrough. The tram network planning involves relocating existing lines to the planned inner-city ring, which would result in less frequent service for passengers from Finthen, Gonsenheim, and Mombach.
Despite these demands, it's worth noting that the percentage of trips made using public transportation in Mainz has remained at about 20% since 2008. Mainz Mobility's passenger numbers are currently at 57 million per year, the same level as in 2019.
CO2 emissions in Mainz's transport sector have increased, as shown in the "Masterplan 100% Climate Protection" update from November 2022. MainzZero's proposals aim to address this issue by creating a more sustainable, efficient, and user-friendly public transportation system that contributes significantly to reducing the city's carbon footprint.
MainzZero's concept paper offers an alternative to the current plans for Mainz's public transportation, including a "Tram 2040" target network for public transportation, including cross-city express bus lines and better integration of city-regional lines.
By addressing these demands, MainzZero hopes to revolutionize Mainz's public transportation system, making it a model for sustainable urban mobility.
- MainzZero's proposed "Tram 2040" target network includes cross-city express bus lines and better integration of city-regional lines, aiming to create a more sustainable public transportation system that significantly reduces Mainz's carbon footprint in the transport sector.
- In the climate change context, MainzZero advocates for investments in sustainable infrastructure, prioritizing electric or zero-emission vehicles, improved stations, and user-friendly infrastructure like safe walking and cycling paths around transit hubs to promote environmental-science and address growing CO2 emissions.
- To help finance such infrastructure improvements and enhance public transportation services, MainzZero recommends encouraging private sector participation and innovation in the science and finance industry, working together to achieve a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable urban transportation system in Mainz.
