Regional trains between Schongau and Landsberg: A comeback in sight?

Regional trains between Schongau and Landsberg: A comeback in sight?

In a surprising move, the municipalities of Schongau and Landsberg am Lech are aiming to reactivate their railway line, which has been closed for over 40 years. The last regional train left the tracks in 1984, and since then only freight trains have been running here. According to a current report commissioned by the two districts, the demand potential for regional transport is well above the guidelines of the Free State of Bavaria. Rail.de reports that the communities are convinced that they can further increase demand by setting up bus connections to train stops.

The single-track line could serve trains between the two cities every hour, which would be very convenient for many commuters and travelers. The support of the Weilheim-Schongau and Landsberg am Lech districts underlines the great importance of the project for regional development and mobility. However, this report is only a first step on the long road to reactivation. There are still many unanswered questions about financing, and DB InfraGO would have to be ready to take over operations.

Financing and legal framework

A crucial factor on this path is the question of financing. The Bavarian Railway Company (BEG) plans, finances and controls local rail passenger transport on behalf of the Bavarian Ministry of Transport, but Bavaria would only provide money for train operations after bus routes and other basics have been established. This means that municipalities are faced with the challenge of financing the necessary measures. Another focus is on the changes to the regionalization law that were recently discussed in the Bundestag. These changes affect the federal government's financial support for local public transport (ÖPNV) and are also intended to improve the framework conditions for future rail projects. Bundestag informed that the countries themselves have to apply for and provide evidence of funding, which raises possible hurdles in project implementation.

Particular attention is paid to the Deutschlandticket, which is intended to boost local transport use overall. According to experts, demand for regional trains could continue to increase as a result. The planned amendment to federal funding could also play positively into the region's cards, with the specific disbursement and provision of funds being planned for 2026. How BMV.de reported, the regionalization funds are intended not only for rail but also for road-based public transport and require close cooperation between the federal and state governments.

A ray of hope for the region?

The Fuchstalbahn is named as one of nine projects in Bavaria that has the potential for reactivation. The municipalities now have a duty to set the course and set a good example in order to convince citizens of the advantages of improved connections. However, the question remains whether it will be possible to make the financing clarifications in a timely manner and to initiate the necessary organizational steps. There is no lack of optimism - the good demand is a solid foundation for pushing the project forward and creating a positive transport transition in Bavaria.