Third call for funding for public transport projects launched

As part of the funding program "Model Projects to Strengthen Public Transport," the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) published the Third Call for Funding on May 11, 2023. It plans to promote further model projects until 2026 with a total of 140 million euros. According to the ministry, public transport (ÖPNV) projects are to be supported that "sustainably reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the transport sector through a more attractive offer." The ministry and its minister Volker Wissing are known to have considerable catching up to do in this area.

Among other things, the development of on-demand services and their integration with other means of transport are to be funded. This could also be of interest to the taxi and rental car industry, especially as public and private transport companies that hold permits or provide transport services in public transport on their behalf can also apply, in addition to local authorities and transport associations.

The Third Call for Funding has two funding priorities: Funding line I named "Rural Regions" is intended for projects that are predominantly implemented in rural regions and take into account their special requirements, as BMDV writes. Funding line II named "Urban Regions" includes the promotion of projects that are "predominantly located in urban areas."

Project sketches can be submitted by applicants via the "eService-Portal" of the Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) assigned with the processing until July 14, 2023. Further information on the funding program and the application procedure can be found on its homepage balm.bund.de/funding-program-public-transport.