Operational Investments in Public Local Passenger Transport (Public Transport Company Funding)

The funding guideline in the Free State of Thuringia links the thematic areas of infrastructure, corporate financing, and consulting & urban development, granting non-repayable subsidies to transport and infrastructure companies as well as public institutions for investments in barrier-free and low-emission public transport infrastructure. Funding is provided, among other things, for the construction, expansion, renewal, and maintenance of regional rail and tram lines, construction and modification of access points, telematics projects for the installation of modern control, acceleration, and passenger information systems, procurement of new barrier-free and low-emission or emission-free buses and tram vehicles, as well as the modernization of existing vehicle fleets and measures in the station environment. Projects that increase user-friendliness, optimize passenger information, and reduce traffic-related emissions are supported with funding rates of 50% to 75%. For additional costs of alternative drives in line buses, the funding rate can be up to 75%.

Eligible are all investment costs from 5,000 euros, including technical equipment in bus and tram depots, excluding pure maintenance measures. Essential prerequisites include early registration for inclusion in the investment plan of the Thuringian State Office for Construction and Transport by September 30 of the year preceding the project start, compatibility with local, regional, and statewide transport planning, consideration of accessibility requirements, and planning according to principles of cost-effectiveness and economy. Furthermore, all projects must comply with applicable environmental standards and be financially secured overall. After positive plan inclusion, an invitation for formal application submission follows; disbursement is made as a non-repayable grant by the Thuringian Ministry of Infrastructure and Agriculture.