HEAG mobilo and DADINA are investigating options and eligibility for funding
Planning for potential tram connections from Darmstadt to Weiterstadt and via Roßdorf to Groß-Zimmern is progressing. HEAG mobilo and the Darmstadt-Dieburg public transport authority DADINA are currently working on the technical foundations and examining further options. According to the project partners, initial calculations suggest that the project is generally eligible for funding from the federal and state governments.
However, it will still be some time before concrete results are available. Further investigation is expected to take several months. The aim is to create a reliable basis for future political decisions and public debate.
“For infrastructure projects of this magnitude, thoroughness is more important than speed,” explains Johannes Gregor, Managing Director of HEAG mobilo. The available findings must be assessed in a technically sound and comprehensible manner. Before any decisions are made, the people in the region should be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of the projects.
Better connections between the city and the surrounding district
The study examines how Weiterstadt, Roßdorf, and Groß-Zimmern can be better connected to Darmstadt in the long term. According to the project partners, this involves not only new transport infrastructure but also future mobility in a growing region.
Many people already live, work, study, or spend their leisure time across municipal boundaries, emphasizes Jörg Gerhard, Managing Director of DADINA. Mobility and accessibility must therefore be considered jointly for both the city and the surrounding district.
Cost-benefit analysis not yet completed
A key basis for further planning is the so-called cost-benefit analysis (CBA). This analysis assesses the impact of a transport project using a standardized procedure across Germany. The resulting indicator is crucial in determining whether a project is eligible for funding.
The initial results have now been analyzed. However, numerous open questions have arisen, which now need to be clarified. Only then will HEAG mobilo and DADINA present a reliable result to the political bodies and the public.
At a later date, both the affected municipalities and the public will be fully involved in the further discussion about the possible tram connections.
(DARMSTADT – RED/PM)
Featured image: HEAG Mobilo
