S4 expansion in Fürstenfeldbruck: Bavaria finally promises progress!

S4 expansion in Fürstenfeldbruck: Bavaria finally promises progress!

Something is happening in the area of ​​rail infrastructure in Fürstenfeldbruck. SPD member of the state parliament Florian von Brunn has now spoken out in favor of rapid planning of the four-track expansion of the S4. Together with Michael Schrodi, Parliamentary State Secretary for Finance, and Mirko Pötzsch, SPD city councilor and transport officer, he recently met on the city's train platform to set the course for the future. “Bavaria can no longer rely on financial resources, they are there,” said Schrodi, who emphasized that it was time to finally move forward with the project. The four-track expansion, which has been planned for decades, is intended to enable better separation between S-Bahn and long-distance traffic and is urgently needed for the increasing number of passengers.

According to the latest reports, the S4 between Pasing and Eichenau will receive a third track, but the option for a fourth track remains open. This was shown in a feasibility study that was prepared by several specialist companies and presented by Transport Minister Kerstin Schreyer. Around 50,000 passengers already use the S4 every day, with a forecast of up to 65,000 by 2035. An earlier start to construction could make commuter life significantly easier, which is what the SPD politicians in Fürstenfeldbruck are advocating.

The feasibility study and its implications

The three-track expansion is feasible, but the trains' capacity will only be partially utilized. A central platform is to be built in Eichenau, which will be prepared for later four-track operation. S-Bahn traffic currently runs via an outside platform, which benefits travelers. Puchheim train station also needs a central platform, which increases costs by around 35 million euros.

The feasibility study also highlights that a later expansion to four tracks is still fundamentally feasible. Klaus-Dieter Josel from Deutsche Bahn estimates a three-year planning period, which includes a large number of environmental and noise protection reports as well as dialogues with the municipalities. It is also important that the necessary land may not be developed elsewhere until then.

Political attitudes and public reaction

The reactions to the feasibility study are varied. While CSU politicians support the decision to opt for a fourth track, Green Party member of the state parliament Martin Runge is calling for an immediate four-track expansion. It remains to be seen how Transport Minister Christian Bernreiter will respond to the legitimate demands and whether rapid expansion will actually be undertaken.

The Transport Committee of the Bavarian State Parliament also recently emphasized that the S-Bahn is better organized in terms of traffic on external tracks in order to minimize disruptions to long-distance trains. This could lead to more careful and thoughtful planning, which directly affects not only commuters but also local residents.

Overall, the region is on the verge of a significant departure, and citizens are excited to see the progress made in the S4 expansion. As part of a modern local transport system, this expansion could not only make everyday life easier for thousands of commuters, but also make it clear that Bavaria wants to use rail transport in the future. So the ball is now really in the court of the policy makers.

For further information on the background and the current state of affairs, please refer to the detailed reporting at South German newspaper and that District messengers referred.