Frankfurt Tram Extension to Langen Promises to Triple Ridership and Cut Car Travel by 11 Million Km
November 21, 2024The proposed tram line would extend approximately 9.4 kilometers from the current endpoint at Neu-Isenburg Stadtgrenze to the Langener Bahnhof, following the former B3 route.
A feasibility study has proposed extending the Frankfurt tram line 17 to Langen, which would significantly benefit the cities of Neu-Isenburg, Dreieich, and Langen.
The total estimated cost for the project is 170 million euros, which includes a 60 million euro risk buffer, with the federal government set to cover 75% of the expenses.
Before construction can begin, detailed planning for transport infrastructure, operations, funding, and approvals will be necessary, potentially allowing trams to operate to Langen by 2034.
This extension is expected to triple daily passenger numbers on the current route, adding approximately 5,400 new riders.
The mayors of the involved cities, along with Frankfurt's mobility commissioner, are committed to advancing planning, although the implementation process will take several years.
The extension could reduce car trips between Neu-Isenburg and Langen by 3,600 daily, saving over 11.3 million car kilometers each year and alleviating pressure on the congested S-Bahn service to Darmstadt.
Local municipalities would collectively need to contribute only 17 million euros, with the first tram expected to operate by 2034.
Around 130,000 residents and 90,000 jobs across the three municipalities would benefit from the new tram connection, with daily ridership projected to increase from 7,200 to over 21,000.
The study indicates a cost-benefit ratio of 2.20 for the extension, suggesting it is economically viable, with a lower ratio of 1.74 if extended only to Dreieich.
Overall, the study concludes that the tram extension is both economically viable and technically feasible, contributing to improved urban living quality and sustainability.
Frankfurt's mobility director emphasizes the importance of reducing individual car travel in the densely populated area, highlighting the potential for 5,400 new public transport users daily.
Summary based on 3 sources